Savannah Police have charged 21-year-old Nathaniel Leonard Lewis with murder after a man was shot and killed near Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard early Saturday morning. The victim died at Memorial Health University Medical Center after being found unresponsive outside a home.
🚨 Why It Matters: This deadly shooting impacts neighborhood safety in the heart of Savannah, raising concerns for residents in the MLK corridor about violence in their community.
🔍 What Happened: Police responded to the area of MLK Jr. Boulevard and West 35th Street around 4:40 a.m. on March 8 after gunshot detection technology alerted them to shots fired.
- Officers found the male victim on the ground in front of a residence with gunshot wounds
- Despite receiving medical treatment at the scene, the victim later died at the hospital
🧩 The Investigation: Savannah Police say their investigation remains active and they’re seeking additional information.
- Residents with knowledge about the shooting can make anonymous tips through CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020
- Tips can also be submitted through the SPD mobile app without revealing identity.
👮♂️ Gun Crimes in Our Communities: Here are statistics from The Gun Violence Archive, a non-profit meticulously tracking gun incidents.
2023 Statistics:
- Total gun-related incidents: 39,135
- Gun-related deaths (excluding suicides): 18,874
- Gun-related injuries: 36,357
- Mass shootings: 656
2022 Statistics:
- Total gun-related incidents: 42,064
- Gun-related deaths (excluding suicides): 20,200
- Gun-related injuries: 38,500
- Mass shootings: 647
While firearm deaths and injuries saw a slight decline compared to previous years, mass shootings continued to rise, with 2023 surpassing 650 incidents. This underscores the continued severity of gun violence in the U.S.
To Be Clear: These aren’t just digits on a page. Each statistic represents a life affected, a community shaken.
