DNA evidence leads to man indicted on multiple murder counts in 1987 death
This column is part of a weekly round-up of notable grand jury indictments and court decisions, following through on cases reported by Savannah Morning News public safety reporter Drew Favakeh. If there are cases you're curious about, email Drew at AFavakeh@savannahnow.com.
Kenneth Brown indicted for 1987 murder
On Dec. 13, a Chatham County grand jury indicted Kenneth Brown for two counts of malice murder and three counts of felony murder, in connection to the death of Deneen Rawls on Nov. 26, 1987, by “bludgeoning her with an iron” and “impeding her breathing causing her to suffocate.” Brown is also indicted for one count of rape.
From the time of the crime in 1987 through February 2019, according to the indictment, the person who committed the crime was unknown. DNA evidence was used “to establish the identity of the accused.”
Willie Frank Jones indicted for homicide by vehicle
On Dec. 13, a Chatham County grand jury indicted Willie Frank Jones for two counts of homicide by vehicle in the first degree, one count of reckless driving and one count of driving under the influence (less safe - drugs), in connection to the July 30, 2022, death of Scott Swart and Allison Cravey.
The indictment alleges that Jones was driving a Honda Accord at speeds of up to 112 miles per hour (mph) when he crashed into Swart, who was driving a moped, and Cravey, who was also riding on the moped.
Telfair State Prison employee indicted for sexual conduct with inmate
On Dec. 13, a Chatham County grand jury indicted a Telfair State Prison employee for a count of sexual contact by employee or agent in the first degree.
According to the indictment, on May 13, 2019, the female prison employee “knowingly [had] sexually explicit conduct” with a man incarcerated at Telfair State Prison.
An employee with the same name was previously employed at Telfair State Prison until 2019, according to a Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) spokesperson.
Drew Favakeh is the public safety and courts reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at AFavakeh@savannahnow.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah court cases: Man indicted for 1987 murder
