Bad Links?
Other glitches?
Notify Webmaster

Schwall to fill Fulton judgeship

Gov. Sonny Perdue tapped Fulton County State Court Judge Craig L. Schwall Sr. to fill the post of Judge Rowland Barnes, who was murdered March 11 during a courthouse rampage.

Barnes, 64, served as a superior court judge for the Atlanta Judicial Circuit until his death.

Brian Nichols, 33, of Atlanta, allegedly executed the crime, killing Barnes; Barnes’ court reporter, Julia Ann Brandau; Deputy Sgt. Hoyt Teasley; U.S. Customs Agent David Wilhelm; and critically injuring Deputy Cynthia Hall, who has since made a remarkable recovery.

Griffin Judicial Circuit Chief Assistant District Attorney Al Dixon was among five people the governor considered for the post. However, Schwall 41, of Atlanta, was ultimately chosen Tuesday to fill the coveted role, officials said.

Perdue also selected Fulton County Magistrate Judge Fred C. Eady, 49, of Atlanta, to fill Schwall’s post, officials said.

Both Schwall and Eady bring a wealth of experience to their new posts, officials say.

Schwall served as a Fulton County State Court judge since 2003. Previously, he served as a magistrate judge with the Fulton County Magistrate Court, a partner with Schwall & Schwall Attorneys at Law and an associate with Schwall & Ruff.

Schwall received his law degree from the Emory University School of Law and his bachelor's degree in political science from Auburn University.

Eady has served as a magistrate judge with the Fulton County Superior Court since 2002. His previous experience includes serving as a sole practitioner in College Park, and a partner with Eady & Eaton. Eady received his law degree from the Woodrow Wilson Law School and his bachelor's degree from Albany State University.