Tyreek Lester and Deshon Lawrence were both just 27 years old when their lives ended in a deadly shooting on Savannah’s east side Sunday afternoon. The two men were killed near the intersection of Cedar Street and East 33rd Street on November 8, leaving residents shocked and raising fresh concerns about violence in the neighborhood.
According to Chatham County Coroner David Campbell, Lester died at the scene, while Lawrence was rushed to Memorial Health University Medical Center. Despite efforts to save him, Lawrence later died from his injuries. Both men had suffered multiple gunshot wounds, according to police.
Savannah police said officers responded to reports of gunfire around 2:15 p.m. When they arrived, they found the two men with gunshot wounds. Investigators later described the attack as targeted, although they have not publicly explained who may have been responsible or what led to the shooting.
The deaths have also drawn attention because of the backgrounds of both men. Court records show Lester was awaiting trial in connection with the 2023 killing of Wanya Pringle. He was also wearing an ankle monitor while his case moved through the court system. Jail records identified Lawrence as a registered Blood gang member. However, authorities have not established whether either man’s background had anything to do with Sunday’s deadly attack.
Alderman Detric Leggett, who represents Savannah’s District 2, was among those who arrived at the scene. He said he attempted CPR on the victims before emergency responders took over. Leggett also described the shooting as happening at close range, noting that bullets struck several nearby cars and houses.
For residents who knew the two men, the news was more than another crime report. Patricia Johnson, president of the Live Oak neighborhood association, said she knew both victims and described them as people who were like family to the community. Her comments reflected the personal pain felt by neighbors who had watched the violence in their area.
Sunday’s shooting was the first fatal shooting reported in the nearby area this year, despite six other shootings previously investigated by Savannah police. The repeated incidents have left residents worried about their safety, with some calling for more surveillance cameras and a stronger police presence.
As of the latest police update, no arrests had been announced, and investigators were still working to establish what happened and who was responsible. Anyone with information about the shooting can contact Savannah CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020 or submit an anonymous tip through the Savannah Police Department’s mobile app.
Tyreek Lester and Deshon Lawrence were both 27. Whatever the unanswered questions surrounding their deaths, two families are now facing the loss of loved ones, and a neighborhood is left dealing with another deadly shooting.
Leave a Reply