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Records show alcohol, marijuana used at deadly PTC partyThu, 06/22/2006 - 4:46pm
By: John Munford
Party host charged in connection with shooting A Sharpsburg teen accused of murdering his friend at a party in Peachtree City Tuesday remains in jail, and the Peachtree City teen who hosted the party has been charged with several misdemeanors, police said. Kevin Johnston, 17, of HiLo Park Drive faces a felony murder charge and four misdemeanors relating to the death of Dallas Crenshaw, 18, of Pinegate Road in Peachtree City. Crenshaw was shot and killed at the party with a gun that Johnston brought to the house in the Centennial subdivision, police said. The party host, Christopher Canderozzi, 18, of 415 Constitution Circle, Peachtree City, was charged late Tuesday with reckless conduct and possession of marijuana (less than one ounce), police said. There were "multiple minors" at the party and evidence was found of marijuana being smoked "throughout the home" and also alcohol being consumed at the party, police said. Canderozzi's parents were not at home at the time of the party, police said. Although the investigation has led so far to substantiating the murder charges against Johnston, Assistant District Attorney Al Dixon said that could change in the future if other information comes forward. A Superior Court judge will determine whether to set bond for Johnston at a later hearing, but Magistrate Bob Ruppenthal declined to set bond Wednesday for Johnston's misdemeanor counts, which also moves that decision to Superior Court. Crenshaw died of a gunshot wound to the abdomen while doctors underwent emergency surgery in an attempt to save his life, said Police Chief James Murray. Detectives were able to speak with Crenshaw before he was flown to the hospital, dispelling the initial account from partygoers, Murray said. The shooting occurred around 3:20 a.m. at a party with up to 12 or more teens present with "a lot of alcohol," Murray said. Johnston had driven Crenshaw to the party in his Lexus, according to arrest warrants and Johnston brought along the 9mm handgun, which was found hidden under a tree behind the home, Murray said. The shooting occurred at 415 Constitution Circle, an area of newer homes in the $300,000-plus value range. Police are not revealing exactly what happened in the seconds before the shooting, but several witnesses told police that earlier in the party, Johnston and others were seen “playing” with the gun, Murray said. Police expect to file additional charges in the case. Several teens at the party told the first police to arrive on the scene that someone entered the home, shot Crenshaw and left. “We were misled when we got there,” Murray said. Police are also looking into whether the shooting was reported to 911 immediately. “We’re looking to see if there is any lag time between the shooting and calling 911,” Murray said. A 2005 graduate of McIntosh High School, Crenshaw was also enrolled at Gordon College pursuing a business degree. Witnesses have cooperated with detectives, who are working to identify everyone who was at the party. “Witnesses told us they heard the bang,” when the deadly shot was fired, Murray said. It is not clear how Johnston got the weapon, but police will check the gun’s history through federal records, Murray said. Police will be able to determine where it was purchased and who has owned the gun since then, Murray added. Meanwhile, the investigation will continue for some time, with several detectives working the case, Murray said. “We want to make sure whoever did this is brought to justice,” Murray said. The other charges filed against Johnston are misdemeanors: possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, possession of a firearm by a person under 18 years old, carrying a concealed weapon and possession of marijuana (less than one ounce). Wednesday’s court hearing took place on his Johnston’s 18th birthday. The Canderozzi home is in the Centennial subdivision, one of Peachtree City’s newest, and new homes are being built in the area. login to post comments |