Update to an earlier report: This article includes new information about a story we previously covered. Read our earlier report.
By News Now Georgia
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson described the Nov. 8 double homicide near East 33rd and Cedar streets as targeted, not random. District 3 Alderwoman Linda Wilder-Bryan disputed his assessment of officers’ actions, alleging problems with their preparedness and conduct and requesting a review.
Savannah Police said officers responded at about 2:15 p.m. Sunday and found two men with multiple gunshot wounds. The Chatham County Coroner’s Office identified them as Tyreek Lester, 27, and Dashon Lawrence, 27. Lester died at the scene; Lawrence later died at Memorial Health University Medical Center.
As of Tuesday, police had announced no arrests and had not publicly identified a motive. The homicide investigation remains ongoing. City officials said they knew of no immediate public danger related to the shooting.
Johnson said he believed officers acted appropriately, citing the need to protect the public, secure the area and preserve evidence. Wilder-Bryan requested a review that includes any available body-worn camera footage. She said Police Chief Lenny Gunther told her he would investigate her concerns. The allegations and the status of any internal review have not been independently confirmed.
Residents interviewed in the neighborhood expressed a desire for more police patrols and surveillance cameras. Four earlier nearby shootings documented since March injured six men; investigators have not publicly established a connection among those incidents.
Savannah Police statistics reported in September showed citywide shooting reports down about 21% compared with the same period in 2025. That citywide figure does not describe conditions in any single neighborhood.
Information about the shooting can be reported to CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020 or submitted anonymously through the Savannah Police Department’s mobile app.
Yolonda Harris
News Now Georgia
