Savannah, GA – On Monday, June 26, 2017, Deonta Pe’Quan Young, 26, was arrested by the GBI and charged with felony murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in the shooting death of Shep Morrell. 

Young was inside the house at 512A W 38th St., Savannah, GA when Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department and the Chatham Narcotics Team executed a search warrant on June 23, 2017.  Young is currently being held at the Chatham County Jail.  The investigation is ongoing and more charges against Young are expected.

Savannah, GA – On Friday, June 23, 2017, at approximately 6:25 PM, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) responded to the scene of a shooting at the request of the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department (SCMPD).  The shooting occurred as the SCMPD SWAT and Chatham Narcotics Team were executing a search warrant at 512A W 38th St., Savannah, GA. 

During the incident, Shep Morrell, 72, and James Miller, 46, suffered gunshot wounds. EMS responded for medical treatment and transported Morrell and Miller to Memorial University Medical Center.  Morrell died from his wounds and Miller’s injury was non-life threatening.

Preliminary information from witnesses and officers revealed that law enforcement deployed distraction devices and non-lethal Pepperball projectiles during the execution of the search warrant.  No guns were fired by officers during the incident.  All gunfire originated from inside the residence prior to officers making entry, which is consistent with the crime scene examination.

The GBI is conducting an independent investigation to determine what occurred during the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call the GBI Statesboro office at (912) 871-1121.

Bill Bodrey - Special Agent in Charge | Statesboro | 912/871-1121