In Session: Two men found guilty of murder in August 2022 case
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.
Woman indicted for causing death of another woman in fentanyl case
On July 12, a Chatham County Grand Jury indicted Tracy Agin for causing the death of another woman by providing her fentanyl-laced drugs. Agin is indicted for felony murder, illegal use of a communication facility and possession of a schedule II controlled substance with the intent to distribute.
According to the indictment, Agin allegedly provided a schedule II controlled substance containing fentanyl to a woman named April Raices, who died in June 2021.
Man indicted for March 2021 Abercorn Street murder
On July 12, a Chatham County grand jury indicted Bernard Greene for felony murder, criminal attempt to commit a felony, and possession of a firearm during a felony.
On March 15, 2021, Savannah Police Officers responded to the apartment complex at 9400 Abercorn St. around 2:40 p.m. and located Joseph Wilder and Greene, both suffering from gunshot wounds. They were transported to a hospital for treatment.
Wilder, 30, died as a result of his injuries. On March 15, Savannah Police detectives charged Greene with murder in connection to the shooting death of Wilder.
Accused murderer files speedy trial motion
On July 24, Jamal Hicks filed a motion for a demand for a speedy trial.
Hicks, 26, was charged with the May 3, 2022, murder of Alphonso Oliver, also 26, around the 500 block of Brewer Street.
In the motion, Hicks cited the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which allows the accused to "enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial." Citing OCGA 17-1-170, Hicks argues that he is due a speedy trial because of "the failure to try case in two regular court terms after this data [where] juries [are] impaneled and qualified to try the defendant."
Jury finds three men guilty of murder of man in 2022 murder
A Chatham County jury found three men facing murder charges in the fatal August 2022 shooting of Gary Pitts, 26, on West Park Avenue, guilty of murder. The jury found another man guilty of aggravated assault but chose not to prosecute him on murder charges.
On July 7, Lamartrus Exley was convicted of felony murder and armed robbery. Exley will serve life without parole.
On July 12, Exley’s attorney, Skye Musson, filed a motion for a new trial. Musson is arguing that Exley should be acquitted due to the state’s failure to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, that the evidence was sufficiently close to warrant the judge to grant the defendant a retrial and that the court committed an error of law.
On July 21, a Chatham County jury found Herschel Orr guilty of malice murder. Orr will serve life with parole.
Also on July 21, a Chatham County jury found Vincent Truesdale guilty of felony murder. Truesdale will serve life with parole.
The jury found both Orr and Truesdale not guilty of armed robbery.
On July 21, a Chatham County Grand found Tony Crawford guilty of aggravated assault. Crawford is sentenced to 20 years - seven years to serve and 13 years on probation. The state chose not to prosecute felony murder and armed robbery charges.
In a sentencing memorandum filed on July 18, Crawford’s attorney, Joseph Vigneri, argued that Crawford’s sentence should be reduced for multiple reasons. Crawford had little criminal history; his only contact with the criminal justice system was in connection with being a runaway at 15 years old. At the time of the offense, Crawford was 16 years old, so his brain wasn’t fully developed. Additionally, Vigneri argues in the sentencing memorandum, Crawford was a follower, not a leader, cooperated with prosecution and accepted responsibility.
Drew Favakeh is the public safety and courts reporter for Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at AFavakeh@savannahnow.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: In Session: Two men found guilty of murder in August 2022 case
