05-07-2025
New arrest made in Oglethorpe Mall Shooting; SPD confirms suspects have "gang affiliations"
Investigation into the July 2 shooting at Oglethorpe Mall has revealed multiple suspects have "known gang affiliations," according to a Savannah Police Department press release Saturday.
Those new details came alongside announcement of an arrest of one adult male for illegal firearm possession in connection with the incident. The suspect was arrested Saturday morning, according to the press release.
City officials faced questions of gang involvement from news media and residents online after the shooting. SPD Chief Lenny Gunther said during a press gaggle the night of the shooting that "two groups" shot at each other in the mall, but did not at the time say gang affiliations were involved.
'There can be no tolerance for such meaningless violence in our community,' said SPD Police Chief Lenny Gunther in the most recent press release. 'The Savannah Police Department remains committed to ensuring justice is served.'
Recent news: Two suspects served with warrants for felony murder, assault in Oglethorpe Mall shooting
The investigation has picked up steam over the weekend.
SPD announced just after midnight Saturday that two juveniles were served multiple warrants for charges including felony murder and two counts of aggravated assault. Other warrants served included possession of a handgun by a person under the age of 18, and possession of a firearm during commission of a crime.
The Chatham County District Attorney's Office plans to charge both juvenile suspects as adults, Chatham County District Attorney's Office Director of Communications Katherine Wideman said in an email.
Other news: One person dead due to heart complications "exacerbated" by Oglethorpe Mall shooting
DA response: Chatham District Attorney pledges Oglethorpe Mall shooting will be "highest priority"
Both suspects were transported to the Chatham County Detention Center Saturday, SPD Public Information Officer Stephanie Selander confirmed. The suspects were still hospitalized at Memorial Health University Medical Center, where they were transported for treatment after the shooting, at the time warrants were obtained.
It was announced Friday morning that the Wednesday shooting turned fatal. Olislene 'Tina' Smith died around midnight, late July 3 or early July 4, to heart complications "exacerbated" by the shooting incident, according to a Savannah Police Department press release.
SPD continues to keep the identities of those involved anonymous to "preserve the investigation." Those with information can call CrimeStoppers, 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@
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah Police confirm "gang affiliations" in Oglethorpe Mall shooting
