Latest news with #Eppinger
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Yahoo
Officer shot 6 times by YSL gang members says he kept thinking ‘I'm not dying out here'
For the first time, an Atlanta police officer is talking with Channel 2 Action News about an attack where a gunman shot him six times. YSL criminal street gang member Christian Eppinger shot Officer David Rodgers six times in 2022 as he tried to arrest Eppinger for armed robbery. Rogers spoke one-on-one with Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne on Friday and walked him through the harrowing incident. 'I encountered Mr. Eppinger, gave him commands to get on the ground, let him know that he had paper. He failed to comply. I had issues getting my Taser, and at that point, he flanked me and I was shot,' Rogers said. Earlier this week, we obtained video of Eppinger firing at Rodgers. 'While I didn't know I was shot six times, I heard that sound quite a few times. Poom, poom, poom,' Rodgers said. 'You kind of feel the heat from the blood flowing out of you, and I went to go access my firearm and couldn't, and I remember turning towards him and all I could see was the white pants he had on and the muzzle of that Glock.' Rogers said that he thanks God for surviving the attack. 'I kind of talk to God for a little bit. Just kind of remember saying to myself, 'I'm not dying out here,'' Rogers said. 'I took a graze across the back of the head that cracked my skull. I think they told me I took four to the back of the shoulder, shattered my humerus. And then one to the back of my thigh, right around my hamstring.' Rodgers says he used to work for Georgia Power but was laid off. He told Winne that it was the power of God that led him to his calling: policework. RELATED STORIES: Final defendant in YSL case pleads guilty Case of mistaken identity ends with young mother killed in alleged Atlanta gang shooting Young Thug says 'he's too big for jail' as he talks about life after incarceration, new music 'I fell in love with the service. Love with the people,' Rodgers said. He said it's a miracle that he's even still alive today. 'I'm definitely a walking miracle. No doubt about it. Yeah, God gave me the gift of life in that situation, or more life. He definitely placed some angels around me throughout recovery. And he gave me these special gifts of peace. I've had peace,' Rodgers said. Rodgers credits Will Johnson, now a sergeant, who, Eppinger also shot at but didn't hit, for fast action applying a tourniquet at the scene and more. He said he got to Grady Memorial Hospital in the back of an undercover car led by a blue light escort. Rodgers said he was in the courtroom on Monday when Eppinger was sentenced for the attempted murder of Rodgers and Johnson, and a host of other crimes, to 40 years in prison and 25 years' probation. The prison time will run at the same time as a 45-year sentence from a probation revocation,who Eppinger was already serving. 'Outside of the bigger question of where's the justice, I think we have to pay particular attention to how we treat our protectors,' Rodgers said. Rodgers told Winne that more than he was angry for himself, he was upset for Johnson and other officers. 'It was maybe 30 to 40 officers within that courtroom that day. After the sentence came down, and you just look at the reactions on everyone's face, there was a lot of sadness. There's a lot a dejection. You saw tears, but you saw defeat,' Rodgers said. The judge overseeing the case told Winne that in crafting Eppinger's sentence in the YSL case, she considered the lengthy probation revocation Eppinger was already serving, was essentially already a punishment for the same crimes for which she sentenced him Monday. 'I want every member of the Atlanta Police Department to know this: I see your bravery. And I recognize it, and so do the citizens of this city,' Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said. 'I would have rather they just put in a stipulation that he got a PhD while he had to sit down, just so he could experience something else other than what he's grew up in,' Rodgers said. Rodgers said the most important part of his entire story is thankfulness. He says he is grateful to God and for the people He put around him to be strong when he couldn't be. He said they include his family, Mayor Andre Dickens, former APD officer Lois Palzolo, Sgt. Will Johnson, Officer Stacy Booker, Sgt. Jamir Denson, former APD officer Thomas Crowder, Officer Claudia Rivers, Maj. Janice Sturdivant, Dr. Stephanie Thomas, Officer Jaz Rivera, Inv. Leon Delain, Lt. David Holleman, Lt. Tim Henninger, Chris Wigginton and Billy Shoemaker of the Georgia Public Safety Training Center, Douglasville Police Sgt. Matt Underwood and his charity Hooked On Blue, Chad Wallace of Team Blue Line, Keegan Merritt from a state peer support program and local school teacher Ashley Guthrie. He says their support came in many forms—from daily phone calls to getting him out of the house before he could return to duty and much more. And he said he wants to thank countless Atlanta citizens for their prayers and well wishes.,
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Yahoo
Atlanta PD chief reacts, judge defends YSL trial sentence as final defendant pleads guilty
Atlanta's police chief criticized the judge's ruling for Young Slime Life criminal street gang member Christian Eppinger. 'The sentence that we saw, it looks great on paper, but there is zero accountability in there. There is zero punishment,' Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum told Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Mark Winne. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis indicated the issue is that Eppinger's sentence of 40 years in prison plus 35 years of probation is to run at the same time as the 45-year sentence handed down previously by another judge in a probation revocation. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker defended the sentence as appropriate. Eppinger was the last remaining defendant in the YSL gang racketeering case. Among his charges was attempted murder in the shooting of Atlanta officer David Rodgers in February 2022. Rodgers was attempting to arrest Eppinger for armed robbery. The officer was shot six times but survived. 'He's angry,' Schierbaum said of Rodgers. 'I think he is surprised what happened in the courtroom of Fulton County, that this is the sentence given to someone that tried to take his life.' [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Whitaker told Winne by phone that her sentencing of Eppinger is by far the lengthiest sentence she has handed out in the massive YSL gang racketeering case. She also added that 'the safety of the community is a consideration in any sentence' she hands down, and this one will keep him behind bars for 40 years, a stiff sentence for a 25-year-old with one prior felony conviction. RELATED STORIES: Final defendant in YSL case pleads guilty Case of mistaken identity ends with young mother killed in alleged Atlanta gang shooting Young Thug says 'he's too big for jail' as he talks about life after incarceration, new music Whitaker said she worked as a prosecutor for more than 20 years, part of that time as colleagues with Willis before either was elected to their current offices. In crafting Eppinger's sentence in the YSL case, Whitaker said she considered that the lengthy probation revocation he was already serving was essentially already a punishment for the same crimes for which she sentenced him Monday. Fairness attorney Noah Pines said, 'There's no question that Judge Whitaker is tough on crime. She is a very fair judge, but she's a very tough judge when it comes to sentencing. There's not question about that.' Hylton said she played dashcam and bodycam video from Eppinger's shooting of Rodgers in the hearing Monday. Eppinger entered a non-negotiated guilty plea to attempted murder, RICO conspiracy and more as what's called an Alford plea, meaning he decided pleading guilty was in his best interest but he doesn't admit to the crimes. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Yahoo
YSL defendant Christian Eppinger sentenced to decades in prison
The Brief Christian Eppinger, the last defendant in the high-profile YSL RICO case, entered a non-negotiated guilty plea Monday, receiving a 75-year sentence with 40 years to serve in prison, ending the first major YSL trial. Eppinger faced serious charges, including the 2022 shooting of an Atlanta police officer and gang-related crimes, and previously rejected a plea offer that would have sentenced him to life in prison. The YSL trial, Georgia's longest-running criminal trial, ignited debate over the use of rap lyrics as evidence and the application of the state's RICO law, concluding with a mix of acquittals, plea deals, and convictions. FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - The last defendant in the massive YSL RICO case, Christian Eppinger, appeared in a Fulton County courtroom on Monday morning to enter a non-negotiated plea. Until his appearance, it was unknown if he would enter a plea or if jury selection would begin today. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker, who took over the YSL trial from the original judge, sentenced Eppinger, who was facing multiple charges, to 75 years with 45 years to serve in prison, followed by probation. Some sentences will run concurrently, but others are required by law to be served consecutively. What we know Over the past two weeks, two of the final three defendants in the sprawling case accepted plea agreements, leaving Eppinger, 25, as the last man standing out of the original 28 defendants charged under Georgia's racketeering statute. His case has drawn significant attention, not only for its ties to the YSL investigation but also because of the serious violent charges he faces. Eppinger is accused of shooting Atlanta Police Officer David Rodgers six times in 2022 as Rodgers, a veteran member of the department's gang unit, attempted to serve an arrest warrant. One of the bullets struck Rodgers in the back of the head. Eppinger also faces accusations of stabbing another inmate while in custody at the Fulton County Jail in 2023. Earlier this year, Eppinger rejected a plea deal that would have sentenced him to life in prison. If convicted at trial, he faces the possibility of two life sentences plus an additional 100 years. MOST RECENT STORIES YSL trial to end without any murder convictions after defendant takes plea deal YSL defendant Damekion Garlington sentenced after murder charge dropped Atlanta rapper Yak Gotti heads home from Fulton County Jail Judge rules Young Thug's social media post doesn't violate probation Young Thug could lose his probation deal | Here's what we know Criminal Charges Eppinger faced long list of charges, including: Violation of Georgia's RICO Act Armed robbery First-degree hijacking of a motor vehicle Two counts of attempted murder Multiple counts of possession of a firearm by a first offender probationer Participation in criminal street gang activity Conspiracy to commit a crime What Happened Monday During sentencing, Judge Whitaker pointed to strong evidence against Eppinger, including his own statements and video footage. The judge highlighted that Eppinger instructed a robbery victim to remove earrings during the crime and noted the seriousness of his actions, particularly the attempted murder of a police officer. In that incident, Eppinger was caught on video firing six shots at close range at an officer and later laughing about it. The court emphasized Eppinger's long history of criminal behavior and his violation of probation terms, noting that he was not supposed to possess a firearm when the shooting occurred. His actions, described as showing a lack of remorse and a continued criminal lifestyle, influenced the sentence. The plea deal means Eppinger will avoid trial, wrapping up one of the most high-profile cases linked to the larger YSL indictment. Additionally, his new sentence will run concurrently (at the same time) with the prison time he is already serving from previous convictions, meaning that he is not expected to serve additional time in prison because of these charges. The backstory The YSL trial has gone down as the longest-running criminal trial in Georgia's history. Jury selection alone took 10 months. The trial lasted nearly two years and featured testimony from around 200 witnesses. It was plagued by disruptions, including witness intimidation, arrests of both jurors and attorneys, the replacement of the original judge, and even a stabbing incident involving a defendant in custody. On Oct. 31, 2024, Young Thug pleaded guilty to gang and drug charges. He was sentenced to time served, 15 years of probation, and ordered to stay out of metro Atlanta for a decade (some of those conditions have since been modified). In December, Yak Gotti and Shannon Stillwell faced a jury verdict. Gotti was acquitted of all charges. Stillwell was convicted only of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He received a 10-year sentence, but with credit for time served. He is serving the remainder on probation. RELATED: YSL RICO Trial: Verdicts reached for Deamonte Kendrick (Yak Gotti), Shannon Stillwell Big picture view The YSL case sparked widespread debate over Georgia's use of the RICO law and the role of rap lyrics and social media in criminal investigations. Prosecutors presented music videos and lyrics as evidence of gang affiliation, while defense attorneys pushed back, arguing that artistic expression was being unfairly criminalized. Though prosecutors secured several convictions and plea deals, the mixed outcomes left questions about the strength of their broader narrative—that YSL was more than just a music label.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Stewart Named a Winner of the 2025 USA Today Top Workplaces Award
HOUSTON, March 20, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE:STC) announced today that it has been once again named a winner of the USA Today Top Workplaces Award. Issued by Energage, a purpose-driven organization that develops solutions to build and brand Top Workplaces, the Top Workplaces program has a 15-year history of surveying more than 20 million employees and recognizing the top organizations across 60 markets for regional Top Workplaces awards. "At Stewart we are striving to be a destination for top talent in the title insurance and real estate industry," said Stewart CEO Fred Eppinger. "Over the years we have strengthened our Employee Value Proposition through a number of improvements to our employee benefits and programs as a direct result of employee feedback. Our employees are the driving-force behind our continued success for more than 130 years and I celebrate this notable recognition with them." Top Workplaces USA celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that have built great cultures. Over 42,000 organizations were invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey. Winners of the Top Workplaces USA list are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an employee engagement survey, issued by Energage. Results are calculated by comparing the survey's research-based statements, including 15 Culture Drivers that are proven to predict high performance against industry benchmarks. "Additionally, we recently received a number of regional recognitions, as well as three Culture Excellence awards for Employee Appreciation, Employee Well-Being and Professional Development," continued Eppinger. "Our ongoing commitment to our employees is to put their health and wellness at the center of our culture as we continue to listen and focus on meaningful professional growth and development." "Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees," said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. "That's something to be proud of. In today's market, leaders must ensure they're allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That's paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends." Stewart is committed to ensuring a better home for all through company culture, customer service excellence, and community and sustainability initiatives. Learn how Stewart is building a company for the next generation and beyond by visiting and find career opportunities at About Stewart Stewart (NYSE-STC) is a global real estate services company, offering products and services through our direct operations, network of Stewart Trusted Providers™ and family of companies. From residential and commercial title insurance and closing and settlement services to specialized offerings for the mortgage and real estate industries, we offer the comprehensive service, deep expertise and solutions our customers need for any real estate transaction. At Stewart, we are dedicated to becoming the premier title services company and we are committed to doing so by partnering with our customers to create mutual success. Learn more at About Energage Making the world a better place to work together.™ Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 19 years of culture research and the results from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit or View source version on Contacts John Chattaway, Stewart Media Relations(713) 625-8180; mediarelations@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Stewart Named a Winner of the 2025 USA Today Top Workplaces Award
HOUSTON, March 20, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE:STC) announced today that it has been once again named a winner of the USA Today Top Workplaces Award. Issued by Energage, a purpose-driven organization that develops solutions to build and brand Top Workplaces, the Top Workplaces program has a 15-year history of surveying more than 20 million employees and recognizing the top organizations across 60 markets for regional Top Workplaces awards. "At Stewart we are striving to be a destination for top talent in the title insurance and real estate industry," said Stewart CEO Fred Eppinger. "Over the years we have strengthened our Employee Value Proposition through a number of improvements to our employee benefits and programs as a direct result of employee feedback. Our employees are the driving-force behind our continued success for more than 130 years and I celebrate this notable recognition with them." Top Workplaces USA celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that have built great cultures. Over 42,000 organizations were invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey. Winners of the Top Workplaces USA list are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an employee engagement survey, issued by Energage. Results are calculated by comparing the survey's research-based statements, including 15 Culture Drivers that are proven to predict high performance against industry benchmarks. "Additionally, we recently received a number of regional recognitions, as well as three Culture Excellence awards for Employee Appreciation, Employee Well-Being and Professional Development," continued Eppinger. "Our ongoing commitment to our employees is to put their health and wellness at the center of our culture as we continue to listen and focus on meaningful professional growth and development." "Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees," said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. "That's something to be proud of. In today's market, leaders must ensure they're allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That's paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends." Stewart is committed to ensuring a better home for all through company culture, customer service excellence, and community and sustainability initiatives. Learn how Stewart is building a company for the next generation and beyond by visiting and find career opportunities at About Stewart Stewart (NYSE-STC) is a global real estate services company, offering products and services through our direct operations, network of Stewart Trusted Providers™ and family of companies. From residential and commercial title insurance and closing and settlement services to specialized offerings for the mortgage and real estate industries, we offer the comprehensive service, deep expertise and solutions our customers need for any real estate transaction. At Stewart, we are dedicated to becoming the premier title services company and we are committed to doing so by partnering with our customers to create mutual success. Learn more at About Energage Making the world a better place to work together.™ Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 19 years of culture research and the results from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit or View source version on Contacts John Chattaway, Stewart Media Relations(713) 625-8180; mediarelations@
