Born and raised in Toronto, Major Steve Shaw always wanted to be a police officer. The son of two real estate agents, he was inspired by cop shows like Chips, and felt drawn to the exciting complexity of a job in law enforcement. Maj. Shaw worked in Robbery before joining Homicide in 2004. He is proud of the quality of people he works alongside and the ability to help the public.

Shaw is married with two children, with whom he enjoys camping and taking RV trips. A seasoned fitness instructor, he also takes part in competitive Crossfit championships.

Shaw is no longer in Homicide, but now leads the Training Section of Gwinnett County PD.

Lieutenant Matt Brookins knew in college that he wanted to go into public service: either law enforcement or the military. Eventually he became a police officer, where he worked in the Robbery unit before joining Homicide in 2008. Solving crimes brought the satisfaction of locking up the bad guys, though Lt. Brookins does admit that working in Homicide can be trying.

He turns to his family as a distraction; Brookins is married with two sons. When he needs to unwind from police work, he golfs and watches his kids play little league.

Lt. Brookins left Homicide in 2017 and spent some time at both the South and Bay Creek Precincts. In 2020, he became Lieutenant for the Criminal Investigation Division, which oversees a number of units, including Homicide.

Sergeant Daniel Appleby worked in production as a camera operator before joining the force in 1999. He worked in several departments, including Robbery and Special Victims, before joining Homicide in 2012. His work in Special Victims especially prepared him for the emotional stresses of working murder investigations.

Appleby has two daughters. In his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities, hiking, and fishing.

In 2018, Sgt. Appleby left the Homicide Unit to become a uniform lieutenant in the West Precinct.

Raised in Gwinnett County, Sargent Richard Harrison joined the Police Department in 2010. Eager to work in a career that would be both exciting and rewarding, Sgt. Harrison worked as a Patrol Officer for nine years before becoming a detective.

Working in the General Crimes and Robbery Units, enjoying complex investigations and wanting to give back to the community he grew up in is what drew him to the Homicide Unit. Bringing closure to the families of victims of homicide is what makes the hard work worth it and Sgt. Harrison proud to be a Homicide detective.

To cope with the emotional toll working in such an intense work field brings, Sgt. Richard Harrison believes it is important to have a life outside of work. When not solving crimes, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children at the lake, going camping and hiking, and relaxing at the beach.

Sgt. Richard Harrison left the Homicide Unit in 2022 upon his promotion to becoming a Sergeant. He now works on the road based out of the Central Precinct.

Sergeant Micah Hegwood is no stranger to life in law enforcement and public service; his mother worked as a correctional officer, his uncle was a sheriff’s deputy, and his brother is a firefighter. This background prepared him for the challenges of police work, and has allowed him to better deal with the intensity of murder investigations. He is driven by the prospect of being a part of the solution and making a positive difference in the community.

When he does need an escape from the job, Sgt. Hegwood turns to his wife and three children. He also enjoys woodworking and working out in his spare time.

Hegwood was promoted to Sergeant in 2020 and worked briefly at the West Precinct before returning to Homicide in 2021.

Sergeant Dennis Hennelly was an NYPD officer from 1997 to 2000 before leaving to work in the private sector. After realizing he missed law enforcement, his wife and two children relocated to Georgia, and he joined the Gwinnett County Police Department in 2006. Sgt. Hennelly joined Homicide in 2010, and returned as a sergeant in 2018. He enjoys the fact that every day is different and challenging, and that he has the opportunity to make changes in peoples’ lives.

Working murder investigations has caused him to appreciate things he took for granted, both professionally and personally. To unwind, Hennelly spends a lot of time with family and friends, and watching sports.

Sgt. Hennelly has left Homicide, and is now an investigator at Gwinnett County’s District Attorney’s office.

Born in Richmond, VA and raised in Snellville, GA, Sergeant Ryan Jorstad joined the Gwinnett County Police Department in August 2019. Wanting to make a difference in his community, Jorstad began as a patrol officer, working his way up to Burglary and Robbery before landing in Homicide.

Sergeant Jorstad is proud to be a homicide investigator, and that he is able to help the families of victims during the most difficult times of their lives. To cope with working in such an intense field, Jorstad keeps busy with his hobbies, which include exercising, hunting, and spending time with his wife and three dogs.

Jorstad was promoted to Sergeant in March 2024 and now works at the Central Precinct.

Though he always felt drawn to police work, Sergeant Shelly Millsap started as a teacher and a manager of a communications firm before joining law enforcement in 2000. The Homicide Unit seemed like a logical step to move up in the ranks.

Coping with the emotional stresses of the job could be difficult at first, especially with victims of circumstance, but he is proud to solve cases for the families.

Millsap is married with three children. In his spare time he coaches his sons’ youth sports teams.

In 2021, Sgt. Millsap was promoted to Lieutenant. He now works at the East Precinct

Sergeant Craig Parker always dreamt of working in law enforcement. He served thirteen years as a Military Police Officer, and was assigned to the Criminal Investigations Unit within Military Police Investigations. He joined Gwinnett County Homicide in 2017. Homicide seemed like a natural progression for Parker, who enjoys helping others.

When he’s not solving murders, Parker spends time with his family. He takes special pride in the fact that his son is carrying on his law enforcement legacy. Parker’s son-in-law, who was married to his oldest daughter prior to her passing, also works as a police officer.

Sgt. Craig Parker is no longer in Homicide. He is now in the West Precinct for Gwinnett PD.

Sergeant Michael Poppe always dreamed of working in law enforcement. After earning his degree in Criminal Justice, he moved to Georgia to pursue a career with Gwinnett County PD. In 2018, Poppe joined the Homicide Unit. Solving homicide is a satisfying feeling for Sgt. Poppe; he is proud of the ability to make a bad situation a little bit better for the people affected.

Working homicides sometimes causes him to see and experience things that are difficult to forget, but he feels that it draws him closer to his loved ones. Sgt. Poppe has been married for eighteen years and has three children. When he’s not solving murders, he spends most of his time at his kids’ sporting events.

Cpl. Poppe was promoted to Sgt. and is now working at the Westside Precinct.

Poppe was promoted to Sergeant in 2019, and after spending some time at the Westside Precinct, he returned to Homicide in 2021.

Hailing from Buffalo, New York, Sergeant John Richter joined law enforcement in September of 2000 and became a Homicide Detective in 2008. He was driven by a desire to work through investigations and help the community. Sgt. Richter finds murder investigations to be eye-opening work. He tries not to take his job home and focuses on bringing closure to the families.

Sgt. Richter has a wife and son, who provide a happy respite from the demands of the job. Outside of detective work, he enjoys fishing, hiking, and exploring the outdoors.

In 2022, Sgt. Richter was promoted to Lieutenant. He now works at the East Precinct.

Sergeant Dallas York grew up in a small town in Georgia, where his uncles worked in law enforcement. This inspired York to join the Gwinnett County Police Department in 2008. Initially, York worked in the Uniform Division, until he was transferred to the Criminal Investigations Division in 2013. At that point, York was assigned to the Burglary Unit, followed by an assignment to the Robbery Unit. In 2015, York joined the Homicide-Assault Unit. York is proud to make a difference in the lives of the victims, and to bring closure to affected families.

Sgt. York is married with three children. When he is not investigating cases, York enjoys spending time with his family.

York was promoted to Sergeant in 2019 and spent some time at the Central Precinct before returning to Homicide in 2022.

Corporal Jason Allen was drawn to law enforcement as a teenager growing up in a rough area of Monroe, Michigan. When he joined PD in 2007, he found that he liked the feeling of locking up people who had hurt others. Cpl. Allen joined Homicide in 2018, after a long career in several different units including Narcotics and the Community Response Team.

Being around death can wear on Allen, but he uses time with his wife and children to decompress. The family owns a small farm with goats, chickens, pigs, and ducks.

Cpl. Jason Allen was promoted to Sergeant and now works in patrol.

Born and raised in New York, Corporal Michael E. Baker was drawn to police work out of the desire to alleviate the burden of crime in various communities. After studying criminal justice in college, he felt it was his duty to make his community safer.

Cpl. Baker joined Homicide in 2018, and finds great reward in the ability to bring justice to people who have been victimized. A long career in law enforcement prepared him for the difficult subject matter; Baker focuses on working on behalf of the victims’ families.

Fitness is important to Baker; he spends his time outside of work exercising. He has two children.

Cpl. Baker is back on the road at South Precinct.

Born in Clearwater, FL and raised in West Palm Beach, Cpl. Randy Blackburn served in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer for over 5 years. Wanting to continue a profession in civilian law enforcement, he joined the Gwinnett County Police Department in 2011.

Starting as a uniformed Patrol Officer, Cpl. Blackburn worked his way through the General Crimes and Robbery units before landing in Homicide. Solving a case and being able to give the families the gratification of knowing the suspect was identified and arrested is what makes Blackburn proud to be a Homicide detective.

When he’s not working Cpl. Blackburn indulges in his hobbies in order to cope with the heaviness his job brings. He enjoys exercising, doing outdoor activities and traveling with his wife.

As a Georgia native, Corporal Angela Carter previously worked for the Gwinnett County Community Response Team at the West Precinct, and the Special Victim’s and Robbery Units before joining Homicide in 2021. Carter was promoted to Corporal in November 2022.

Her want to continue servicing the community after leaving the U.S Army is what drew Carter to working in law enforcement. Solving cases and speaking for those who are no longer able to speak for themselves is what makes Corporal Carter proud to be a homicide investigator.

When she’s not working tirelessly in the Homicide office, Carter enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her son.

Corporal John Cleland became interested in becoming a police officer during college when he worked at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. His Fine Science coursework drew him to a law enforcement career, where he got his start in Robbery and General Crimes.

In 2015, Cleland joined the Homicide Unit. Though not the most financially rewarding work, he finds investigations internally rewarding. Homicide can be an emotionally trying job, especially cases involving children or innocent bystanders, but Cpl. Cleland finds meaning in the ability to help victims’ families.

Outside of work, Cleland has an appetite for outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, and travel. He works part time in the bomb squad unit. Law enforcement is a family affair for Cleland; he has a brother and cousin who are also police officers.

Cpl. John Cleland has left Homicide and is now a uniformed officer at Central Precinct.

Corporal Tyler Daniel began his career with Gwinnett County PD in May 2012 and worked as a uniformed patrol officer until August 2018, when he joined the department’s General Investigations Unit. Cpl. Daniel then worked in the department’s Robbery Unit before joining the Homicide Unit in May 2021.

Cpl. Daniel’s passion for solving homicides stems from his desire to get justice for the victims and their families. He approaches each crime scene like a puzzle, and believes that keeping an open mind is the best way to solve a case.

A Gwinnett County native, Cpl. Daniel was born and raised in Lawrenceville, GA. He enjoys quality time at home with his wife and daughter, and also enjoys outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing as a way to decompress from work.

Born and raised in Atlanta, Corporal Brian Dorminy wanted to be a police officer from a young age. He joined Homicide in 2017 after serving in the Robbery, SVU, and Burglary units. To Dorminy, being a public servant is not about the money, but helping others. He especially enjoys solving challenging cases.

Corporal Dorminy has a wide array of personal interests. He is a fluent Spanish and Arabic speaker, a photographer, and spends his time hunting and bee keeping. Dorminy is married with two daughters.

In 2022, Corporal Dorminy was promoted to Sergeant. He now works at the East Precinct.

Being the son of a New York State Trooper, Corporal Patrick Dunning was drawn to law enforcement since he was a child. Joining Gwinnett County PD in 2002, Cpl. Dunning worked as a patrol officer, and as an investigator in the Crime Suppression Unit and the Robbery and Burglary Unit before landing in Homicide in 2020.

“As a police officer, we sometimes have interactions with the public on their worst day. When that day comes, there’s no better feeling than to be able to offer some assistance,” says Cpl. Dunning when explaining what makes him proud to be a part of Gwinnett County PD.

When he’s not solving cases, Cpl. Dunning’s three sons and one daughter keep him busy. He also enjoys hiking, running and exercising.

In 2022, Corporal Dunning was promoted to Sergeant. He now works at the North Precinct.

Corporal Shannon Kulnis was inspired by first responders following the September 11th attacks. A ninth grader at the time, Kulnis liked the idea of “rushing in while others rush out.” In 2010, she joined law enforcement. She worked in the Robbery unit before joining Homicide in 2015.

Though investigative work could be tough, especially when dealing with child victims, Kulnis took pride in helping others during their lowest points. She liked to be a hero to kids.

Cpl. Shannon Kulnis has retired from the Gwinnett Police Department and moved to Alabama.

Corporal Dana Laney was always intrigued by Criminal Justice. A longtime puzzle lover, she liked the idea of putting the pieces of an investigation together. After joining PD in 2010, Laney worked in the Robbery and Special Victims Units. In 2017, she joined the Gwinnett County Homicide squad.

Despite its stresses, Cpl. Laney is able to leave her work at work. Though this sometimes becomes difficult with cases involving children, she is motivated by the prospect of helping victims and their families.

A former tennis player, Laney unwinds from investigative work through exercise. She and her husband, who also works in law enforcement, have two children.

To spend more time with her family, Cpl. Laney is now an investigator with the District Attorney’s Office in Gwinnett County.

Corporal Lawson joined Gwinnett County Police Department in February 2010. He started his career in the First Precinct, followed by SVU and Robbery, before joining the Homicide Unit in April 2019.

Before joining GPD, Corporal Lawson was a Master Instructor at a martial arts school for 16 years in DeKalb County. Throughout those years, he had always been interested in joining a police force, and when the Police Academy called to see if he was still interested, he took that as a sign to jump in.

Working as a homicide detective doesn’t leave Corporal Lawson with much time for martial arts, but he now cares for his body through stretching and meditation. He also has plans to teach his young children martial arts in the future. Corporal Lawson is married and has three sons and two daughters.

In 2022, Corporal Lawson was promoted to Sergeant. He now works at the North Precinct.

Corporal Douglas Loomis joined Gwinnett County PD in 2010. He initially worked in the Robbery and Special Victims Units before moving to Homicide in 2019. Cpl. Loomis was interested in law enforcement from a young age, and knew he wanted to help people and be part of a team. While the job can be difficult, Cpl. Loomis also finds it incredibly fulfilling when he’s able to close a case and help secure a conviction.

A Connecticut native, Cpl. Loomis attended Maryville College, where he served as the football team’s kicker. He is married and has two children. In his free time, Cpl. Loomis enjoys mountain biking and playing in a soccer league with some of his fellow officers; he also coaches youth baseball and soccer teams.

In July 2021, Cpl. Loomis was promoted to Sergeant and now works at the Central Precinct.

Born and raised in Buford, GA, Corporal Christopher Lymber joined Gwinnett County PD in 2006. Starting as a uniformed officer, Lymber worked his way through the Burglary and Robbery Units before landing at the Homicide Unit in 2019. The fast-paced nature of investigating homicides and conducting interviews is what drew him to the unit.

To deal with the weight of working in homicide, Cpl. Lymber likes to keep the laughter at a high by joking with other detectives. Outside of work he enjoys fly-fishing, hunting, and spending time with his wife and three daughters.

Cpl. Lymber left Homicide in 2021 and is now head of Pawn in the Burglary Unit.

From an early age, Cpl. Christopher Smith was inspired by police officers on television. With a penchant for traveling, he studied Spanish in college and spent time at The University of Alicante in Spain. When he joined law enforcement in 2011, Smith hoped to change the public perception of police through helping others and bringing justice to victims’ families. Prior to joining Homicide, Smith worked in Robbery and the Special Victims Unit.

The process of putting the pieces of a crime scene together is especially fascinating to Det. Smith. Focusing on solving the crimes allows him to move past the emotional aspects of investigative work.

In September 2021, Cpl. Smith was promoted to Sergeant. He now works at the South Precinct.

Detective Diego Galaso joined Gwinnett County PD in August 2014. He has worked his way through multiple units, and other departments, working for the Gwinnett Sheriff’s Office, then in Gwinnett County PD Narcotics and Robbery Units before moving over to Homicide in July 2019.

Det. Galaso was always wanted to “fight crime” as a child. He became a police officer to give back to his community. “I take pride in knowing that I have the responsibility to bring justice for the victim and the victim’s family.”

When he’s not working on a case, Det. Galaso enjoys time with his wife and daughter.

Galaso has left Homicide to join the Aviation Unit of GPD as a helicopter pilot.

Born and raised in Dansville, New York, Detective Julie Price joined Gwinnett County PD in January 2019. She previously worked as a bartender and veterinary assistant for racehorses, but decided to pursue a career in law enforcement because she wanted to help people.

Det. Price honed her skills in the Robbery Unit and Special Victims Unit before joining Homicide in April 2023. Det. Price is grateful for the opportunity to help get justice for homicide victims, and she credits her strong support system—including her friends and co-workers—for getting her through her toughest days on the job.

Det. Price is passionate about animals, and fosters dogs that are awaiting adoption. She and her husband also have dogs of their own, as well as cats, a horse and a mule. In her free time, Det. Price enjoys horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and trying new restaurants.