🚨 The Gist: Savannah Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the May 18 mass shooting in Ellis Square that left 11 people injured. The suspects, Samira Yvette Kenny, 29; Cazare Pernell Cooper, 18; and Jordan Caleb Jones, 20, were taken into custody on May 30.
👮 The Background: The shooting occurred around 11:55 p.m. on May 18 in Ellis Square, a popular tourist area in Savannah’s historic district. The incident began with an argument between two women that escalated into a gunfight, resulting in multiple people sustaining gunshot wounds. All 11 adult victims were treated for their injuries, and no deaths have been reported.
🙏 Community Support: Savannah Police Department expressed gratitude to the public for providing valuable information that aided in the arrests. They continue to ask for the community’s support as the investigation remains ongoing.
🔍 The Investigation:
- Police interviewed numerous witnesses and collected evidence at the scene following the shooting.
- The FBI and Savannah Police Department launched a digital media tip line seeking pictures and videos taken around the time of the incident to assist with the investigation.
👮♂️ 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.
💬 Your Take: How can the Savannah community work together to prevent future incidents of gun violence and ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below.
