BREAKING NEWS: GPD Chief Mike Yates resigns after GBI investigation of murder case

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: Mike Yates on Tuesday submitted his letter of resignation as chief of the Griffin Police Department. Yates had been on paid administrative leave since April 28. “This action (Yates’ administrative leave) was taken in connection with the pending GBI investigation requested by District Attorney Marie Broder into the matter involving Sgt. […]

GBI completes investigation of GPD’s handling of 2021 Javarreis Reid murder case

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::The GBI has completed its investigation of the Griffin Police Department’s (GPD) handling of the 2021 murder of Javarreis Reid. The GBI Region 2 Field Office confirmed the investigative case file was turned over to Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Marie Broder’s office on July 10. “So, I have reviewed it, but […]

GPD Chief allowed no contact with city employees or access to city premises

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: Griffin Police Department Chief Mike Yates, who begins his third week of administrative leave on Friday, has been ordered to have no contact with any city of Griffin employees and to refrain from coming on any city property. Griffin City Manager Jessica O’Connor placed Yates on what she said is a […]

GPD Chief Mike Yates administrative leave related to GBI investigation of murder case

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: The city of Griffin has confirmed that GPD Chief Mike Yates was placed on administrative leave in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation being conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The GBI case is related to GPD Sgt. D’Marquivius “D.J.” King, who initially received a written reprimand in November 2021 […]

Griffin officials decline to comment on GPD sergeant involved in murder cover-up

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: City of Griffin officials have declined to respond to the most basic questions related to Griffin Police Department (GPD) Sgt. D’Marquivius “D.J.” King, even refusing to cite his current employment status. King, while assigned to the GPD Criminal Intelligence Division (CID), covered up the May 9, 2021, murder of Javarreis Reid […]

DA will seek GBI investigation of GPD officer who concealed brother’s alleged role in murder

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Marie Broder has notified the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) of her intent to request an investigation of Griffin Police Department Sgt. D’Marquivius “D.J.” King. Broder’s request to the GBI is the result of an investigation conducted by The GRIP, which reported that King was reprimanded […]

Damon Beck, Griffin Police officer’s brother, apprehended for 2021 murder

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: The GRIP has learned that Damon Marquis Beck, a suspect in the May 9, 2021, murder of Javarreis Reid, has been arrested. Beck is currently being held in the Spalding County Jail on charges of murder and aggravated assault. Beck is the brother of Griffin Police Department Sgt. D’Marquivius “D.J.” King. […]

Griffin PD officer covered up murder by concealing his brother’s alleged involvement

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: Internal Griffin Police Department records indicate an officer covered up a murder by shielding a suspect. Disciplinary records obtained by The GRIP establish that Sgt. D’Marquivius “D.J.” King deliberately concealed the alleged involvement of his brother, Damon Beck, in the May 9, 2021, murder of Javarreis Reid. The body of Javarreis […]