Police: 2 men dead in apparent Savannah murder suicide
SAVANNAH, Ga. —
Two men died Thursday following a shooting and an hourslong police response in Savannah’s East Side Historic District, authorities said.
Savannah Police Chief Lenny Gunther described the shooting as an apparent murder-suicide. Mayor Van Johnson said the violence stemmed from a personal matter.
Police respond to shooting
Savannah police responded around 3:55 p.m. to 911 calls reporting a shooting in the 600 block of East Anderson Street.
Officers found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Chatham Emergency Medical Services and Savannah Fire personnel provided medical aid before taking him to Memorial Health University Medical Center, where he later died.
Suspect barricades inside nearby home
Investigators determined the suspected shooter was inside a nearby residence. Officers established a perimeter around the home.
The situation prompted a large response from Savannah police, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol, SWAT teams and agents with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Several roads in the area were closed, and drivers were advised to avoid the neighborhood.
Police secured a search warrant and entered the residence. Inside, officers found the suspect dead from an apparent self-inflicted injury.
Gunther later said the deaths appeared to be a murder-suicide. Authorities have not released the identities of either man.
Neighbors wait as investigation unfolds
Neighbors waited outside for at least 40 minutes as the police response unfolded, unable to return to their homes.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information may contact CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020 or submit an anonymous tip through the Savannah Police Department’s mobile app.
Update 6:45 p.m.:
According to Savannah Police Chief Lenny Gunther, two people are dead in the shooting, in an apparent murder-suicide.
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson says this was related to a personal incident.
Update 6 p.m.: A barricaded suspect in the East Side Historic District, south of Dixon Park near the corner of the Shop and Go 2 gas station, prompted a significant police response Tuesday afternoon. Sheriff Coleman said the suspect was barricaded, but there is no word on whether the individual was armed.
Police arrived after 4 p.m., with a heavy presence that included SWAT teams, ATF officers, and local law enforcement. Several roads in the area were closed, and drivers were advised to avoid the location.
One person was injured and taken to the hospital, though authorities have not disclosed how the injury occurred. An ambulance was seen in the area, and sirens were heard intermittently. A Flock camera was visible pointing down the street, but police have not confirmed whether it aided the investigation.
Neighbors stood outside for at least 40 minutes, waiting to return to their homes as the situation unfolded.
Initial report: There’s a heavy police presence on East Broad and Anderson Streets.
Savannah Police confirmed to WJCL 22 that one person was injured and sent to a local area hospital. However, they have not disclosed how this person was hurt.
Chatham County Sheriff Richard Coleman has confirmed there is a barricaded suspect in a home. WJCL 22 has a crew on- scene.
Savannah Police, Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, and Georgia State Patrol are all responding.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.