Grand Jury Round-up: Four teens indicted for August Port Wentworth murder
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.
Wade Richardson
On Oct. 20, Chatham County Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley set bail for Wade Richardson at $10,000.
On March 20, Richardson was charged with felony murder, malice murder, aggravated assault and possession of a knife in connection with the stabbing death of Raeem Sinclair, 41, at the Pump N Go, 2320 Ogeechee Road. At the time, SPD said Sinclair and Richardson knew each other and the incident was the result of a dispute between the two men.
As part of his bail conditions, Richardson was placed under house arrest at his Garden City home.
Jamal Hicks
On Oct. 25, Jamal Hicks was denied bond for two reasons: Because he poses a significant risk of committing another offense if released and because he presents a significant threat to a person or community.
On May 10, Savannah Police arrested Hicks, 26, with the May 3 murder of Alphonso Oliver, also 26, around the 500 block of Brewer Street. As a result, Hicks was charged with felony murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during a commission of a felony, and aggravated assault.
Hicks has an extensive criminal history.
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On March 10, 2017, he was charged with terroristic threats.
On April 29, 2017, he was charged with burglary in the first degree, forgery in the fourth degree and theft by receiving stolen property. As a result of those April 2017 charges, his first-offender status was revoked.
On April 19, 2018, he was charged with reckless conduct and criminal trespassing. On May 9, 2018, he was charged with terroristic threats.
Three of the four incidents involved arguments with a girlfriend. Twice, he threatened to kill his girlfriend. Once, he jumped on her windshield, causing nearly $500 worth of damage.
On March 13, 2019, Hicks and the courts negotiated a plea deal for all charges. As part of the negotiated plea, Hicks was sentenced to a total of seven years, with the first year to be served in prison and the remaining six years on probation.
But, on Dec. 21, 2019, Hicks violated his probation. He was awaiting trial — a probation revocation hearing — when he was charged by SPD with murder on May 3.
Hicks' arraignment is scheduled for 11 a.m., Dec. 5.
Diego Gonzales
On Oct. 25, a Chatham County Superior Court judge released Diego Gonzales on $20,000 bail.
On Feb. 6, Savannah Police officers reportedly were patrolling the area of Congress and Whitaker streets around 3 a.m. when they heard gunfire. Police then located Markieth Wright with a life-threatening gunshot wound at the corner of Congress and Drayton streets. Wright was taken to the hospital where he later died from his injuries.
On April 28, Gonzales, then 19, was taken into custody during a traffic stop in Jasper County on a warrant for murder and that same day, Savannah Police arrested him.
As part of his bail conditions, Richardson was placed under house arrest at his Ridgeland, South Carolina, home.
A status hearing is set for 1:30 p.m., Feb. 7.
Port Wentworth: Police apprehends final suspect in August 13 killing of Dion Farmer
Four men indicted
On Oct. 26, a Chatham County grand jury indicted four suspects — Desimond Butler, 19, Michael Stevens, 18, Keroney King, 18, Jahaune Butler, 18 in the murder of Dion Farmer, 24, during the early hours of Aug. 13. The murder occurred in the parking lot of the Rice Creek subdivision’s clubhouse on Miller Park Circle.
All four suspects are in custody at the Chatham County Detention Center.
No additional hearings have been scheduled in this case.
Drew Favakeh is the public safety reporter for Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at AFavakeh@savannahnow.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Chatham County grand jury indicts four teens for Port Wentworth murder
