Early voting continues in Walker County. According to the county election office, as of noon yesterday, 15,041 people had already voted. in 2020, 16,887 people voted early. Early voting continues through Friday and election officials this year’s numbers will surpass 2020. Just over 1,600 absentee ballots were mailed out this year. So far just over 1,200 have been returned. Early voting continues through Friday at 5pm.
The Walker County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing teen. 14-year-old Aryana Taylor left her residence on Hunt Street in Rossville on Monday night at 9pm. She has not been seen since. Taylor was last seen wearing grey sweatpants, blue crop top shirt and white shoes. If you know Aryana’s whereabouts contact the Walker County Sheriff’s Office.
The Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Superior Court sentenced three individuals to life in prison for murder last week. Keishann Rowe, Keonte Ragland and Deonna Ragland were found guilty of felony murder and aggravated assault in connection with the murder of 19-year-old Jaylon Eberhardt in 2021. They lured Eberhardt to the playground of the apartment complex where they live. Malachi Housley shot Eberhardt in the back and leg. Eberhardt was attempting to get help for his injuries and died on the doorstep of a law enforcement officer. Malachi Housley confessed in June of 2023 and was sentenced to life in prison for felony murder and aggravated assault. After a week-long trial, Rowe, Keonte and Deonna Ragland were each sentenced to life in prison last Thursday.
Five felony arrests in Walker County on Monday. Among those arrested, 26-year-old Eric James Goins was charged with battery exploitation and intimidation of disabled adults or an elderly person. 41-year-old Benjamin Adam Fuller was booked on charges of possession of meth, obscured or missing license plate and no insurance.
