News Summary
A tragic shooting in Savannah early Saturday morning resulted in the death of a man near Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and W. 35th Street. Authorities have arrested 21-year-old Nathaniel Leonard Lewis, charging him with murder and other offenses. This incident marks the third homicide in two days, raising concerns about a surge in violence in the community. Savannah’s Mayor has called for residents to provide information to help combat this troubling trend.
Violence Strikes Savannah as Young Man Charged with Murder Following Fatal Shooting
In the heart of Savannah, tragedy unfolded early Saturday morning when a shooting led to the death of an adult male near the bustling intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and W. 35th Street. The local police bravely sprang into action shortly after receiving reports from the innovative ShotSpotter technology at approximately 4:40 a.m.
The Arrest of Nathaniel Leonard Lewis
Following a swift investigation, police apprehended Nathaniel Leonard Lewis, a 21-year-old with an extensive history of prior arrests. He was charged with a series of offenses, including murder, aggravated assault, and tampering with evidence. Details of the shooting revealed that officers found a man lying unresponsive on the ground outside a residence, tragically suffering from a gunshot wound.
Authorities rushed the victim to Memorial Health University Medical Center, but sadly, he succumbed to his injuries later that day. In a cascade of events, Lewis now faces multiple charges that also include willful obstruction of law enforcement officers, escape, and improper crossing of a roadway as a pedestrian.
Upcoming Court Processes
The Chatham County Jail’s bookings website has confirmed the aforementioned charges against Lewis, and as the police delve deeper into the matter, investigations continue to unfold. This incident notably marked the third homicide in just two days in Savannah, highlighting a troubling spike in violence.
A Surge of Violence in the Area
Just before the early morning tragedy, Savannah experienced two other fatal shootings. The first occurred at around 10:45 p.m. on March 7, claiming one life and shocking the community on the 1300 block of 56th Street. The second shooting followed closely, taking place around 11:55 p.m. near W. 37th Street Lane and Burroughs Street. At this time, officials have noted that the shootings do not seem to be connected and are not seen as random acts of violence.
Community Call to Action
In light of this escalating violence, Savannah’s Mayor, Van Johnson, took to social media to encourage residents. He urged community members to step forward with any information related to these tragic events. The Savannah-Chatham CrimeStoppers hotline is available at (912) 234-2020 for those who may provide crucial details, or they can submit tips through the SPD Mobile App.
Lewis’s Troubling Past
Nathaniel Leonard Lewis’s background paints a concerning picture. He previously faced several legal issues, including arrests for criminal use of an altered ID, obstruction, loitering, criminal trespassing, and even unlawful carrying of a weapon back in September 2024. More recently, in March 2023, he was arrested for theft by receiving stolen property and possession/sale of marijuana. Interestingly, back in 2019, his family reported him missing, only to discover he was located a few days later.
Moving Forward
As Savannah grapples with these disturbing incidents, the local police urge everyone to remain vigilant and proactive in sharing any information that could help quell the violence in the area. Communities thrive on safety, and together, everyone can support one another in rebuilding a city marked by peace and unity.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: Violence Strikes Savannah as Young Man Charged with Murder
- WTOC: Savannah Police Make Homicide Arrest
- Fox 28: SPD Charges 19-Year-Old with Murder
- WSAV: Savannah Police Releases Viral Body Camera Footage
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
