June 24, 2017
GBI Investigates Shooting in Chatham County, GA
Savannah, GA – On Friday, June 23, 2017, at approximately 6:25 PM, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) responded to the scene of a shooting at the request of the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department (SCMPD). The shooting occurred as the SCMPD SWAT and Chatham Narcotics Team were serving a search warrant at 512A W 38th St., Savannah, GA.
During the incident, Shep Morrell, 72, and James Miller, 46, suffered gunshot wounds. EMS responded for medical treatment and transported Morrell and Miller to Memorial University Medical Center. Morrell died from his wounds and Miller’s injury was non-life threatening.
Preliminary information from witnesses and officers revealed that law enforcement deployed distraction devices and non-lethal Pepperball projectiles during the execution of the search warrant. No guns were fired by officers during the incident. All gunfire originated from inside the residence prior to officers making entry, which is consistent with the crime scene examination.
The GBI is conducting an independent investigation to determine what occurred during the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call the GBI Statesboro office at (912) 871-1121.
Bill Bodrey - Special Agent in Charge | Statesboro | 912/871-1121