GBI Arrests 3 People in Multiple Cordele Homicide Cases

Investigation #2 UPDATE – May 10, 2024

On May 5, 2024, the GBI charged Kevin Bernard West Jr., age 21, of Cordele, GA with one count each of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony in connection to the death of Davieon Lavant. Lavant was killed on January 5, 2024.

West was booked at the Crisp County Jail.   

The case is still under investigation, and anyone with information concerning this case is encouraged to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Americus at 229-931-2439 or the Cordele Police Department at 229-276-2921.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

Cordele, GA (April 4, 2024) – The GBI has arrested and charged Lee Savage III, age 21, of Cordele, GA, Jayveon Royal, age 21, of Cordele, GA, and Kavien Butler, age 19, of Cordele, GA in connection to two unrelated homicide cases. 

Investigation #1 

The GBI arrested and charged Savage III on Thursday March 28, 2024, with Felony Murder and Aggravated Assault in connection to the death of Rondarrius Wedges, age 19, of Cordele, GA. 

The investigation indicated on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at about 10:00 p.m., Cordele Police Department officers responded to the 1000 block of Tulip Ave after several calls were made to 911 in which residents heard numerous gunshots. When officers arrived, they were flagged down by a group of people at a home. There, officers found Wedges with numerous gunshot wounds, sitting inside a car. Emergency lifesaving efforts were unfortunately unsuccessful, and Wedges died from his injuries. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was called in to assist with the investigation along with the Cordele Police Department Criminal Investigative Division.  

Savage III was booked into the Crisp County Jail on unrelated charges. 

Investigation #2 

The GBI arrested and charged Royal on January 18, 2024, with Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Crime in connection to the death of Davieon Lavant, age 30, of Cordele, GA. Butler was also arrested and charged in this case with Party to the Crime of Felony Murder and Party to the Crime of Aggravated Assault on February 16, 2024. 

The investigation shows on January 5, 2024, shortly before 1:00 a.m., officers with the Cordele Police Department were dispatched to Hilltop Apartments in the 200 block of W 24th Ave to a shooting call.  

When officers arrived, they located Lavant with gunshot wounds. Crisp County EMS arrived and took Lavant to a local hospital for emergency treatment. Unfortunately, life-saving attempts were unsuccessful, and Lavant died from his injuries.  

Agents with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation were requested to assist in the investigation. During the course of the investigation, agents obtained information that led to an arrest.  

Royal and Butler were booked into the Crisp County Jail. 

The Cordele Police Department, the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Community Supervision, and the Mid-South Narcotics Task Force assisted with these investigations. 

Both cases are being prosecuted by District Attorney Brad Rigby of the Cordele Judicial Circuit. 

As these cases remain active, anyone with information about these incidents should contact the Cordele Police Department at 229-276-2921 or non-emergency 911 at 229-276-2690, or the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Americus at 229-931-2439. Anonymous tips can be submitted via the GBI Tipline 1-800-597-8477, online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.