Two suspects served with warrants for felony murder, assault in Oglethorpe Mall shooting
Those suspects are currently hospitalized at Memorial Health University Medical Center, where they were transported after the shooting. The individuals will be taken into custody and transported to the Chatham County Detention Center upon release from the hospital, the press release said.
Other warrants served to the suspects, who are both under 18 years old, include possession of a handgun by a person under the age of 18 and possession of a firearm during commission of a crime. It is expected the suspects will await formal charges from the Chatham County District Attorney upon arrival at the detention center, the press release said.
'The Savannah Police Department intends to hold all those involved in this senseless crime accountable to the fullest extent of the law,' said SPD Chief Lenny Gunther.
Recent news: One person dead due to heart complications "exacerbated" by Oglethorpe Mall shooting
The arrest warrants mark a major breakthrough in the still ongoing investigation, which began Wednesday evening after the shooting occurred.
SPD said names and identities of "those involved" in the shooting will not be released at this time in order to "preserve the investigation," the press release said.
Chatham County District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones said Thursday the case would take "highest priority" once the "baton is passed" to her office from local law enforcement. She also promised to bring the "full weight" of the law on those responsible for the shooting.
The first fatality related to the shooting was announced Friday morning. Olislene 'Tina' Smith died around midnight, late July 3 or early July 4 due to heart complications exacerbated by the incident.
Smith was one of three individuals transported to Memorial for non-gunshot-wounds related medical complications. Three other individuals were taken to the hospital with gunshot-related wounds.
The expected charges come after SPD initially signaled Thursday it would bring underage firearm possession charges on two individuals. Later Thursday, SPD detectives decided not to peruse those charges at that time.
Announcement of the warrants came with additional charges, including for felony murder and aggravated assault.
With the ongoing investigation, anyone with information can contact CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020, or submit an anonymous tip through the SPD mobile app.
Evan Lasseter is the city of Savannah and Chatham County government reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at ELasseter@savannahnow.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah Police serve warrants to two suspects in Oglethorpe Mall shooting
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