Alexander Hernandez, Daquan Kitchens Obituary, Death – Savannah, Georgia, experienced a violent night as three separate shootings resulted in the deaths of three men within a six-hour span and a three-mile radius. The shootings, which took place late Friday night and early Saturday morning, have left the community shaken.
First Shooting: One Killed, One Injured
The first incident occurred in the 1300 block of East 56th Street just before 10:45 p.m. on Friday. Officers from the Savannah Police Department (SPD) responded to reports of gunfire and found two men had been shot. One of the victims, later identified by the Chatham County Coroner as 34-year-old Alexander Hernandez, succumbed to his injuries.
Local residents who witnessed the aftermath of the shooting told reporters that they immediately contacted authorities but declined further interviews. However, they expressed their sadness, saying Hernandez “did not deserve what happened.” The condition of the second victim has not been disclosed.
Second Shooting: Man Shot and Killed
Approximately an hour after the first incident, another fatal shooting occurred about two miles north, near West 37th Street and Burroughs Street. Authorities confirmed that 28-year-old Daquan Kitchens was shot and killed at the scene.
As of Monday, police had not provided details regarding any potential suspects or motives behind this attack. However, officials stated that there is no known connection between this shooting and the first incident.
Third Shooting: Suspect Arrested in Fatal Attack
The final shooting of the night took place around 4:40 a.m. on Saturday near Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and West 35th Street. Unlike the previous two incidents, this case quickly led to an arrest.
Police identified the suspect as 21-year-old Nathanial Lewis, who is now facing murder charges in connection with the death of 41-year-old Benny Wright. Authorities have not yet revealed what led to the fatal confrontation.
According to the Chatham County District Attorney’s Office, Lewis had been out on bond despite prosecutors objecting to his release. Jail records indicate that he has a criminal history dating back to 2023, with charges including aggravated assault, criminal trespassing, and unlawful carrying of a weapon.
Mayor and Police Address the Violence
Following the string of shootings, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson issued a statement on Saturday, assuring residents that none of the incidents appeared to be random. He suggested that in each case, the victims likely knew their attackers.
Meanwhile, SPD investigators confirmed on Monday that they have not found any evidence linking the three shootings to one another. They continue to investigate all incidents separately and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Community Concern Grows
The deadly series of events has left residents concerned about safety, particularly given that two of the cases remain unsolved. Authorities have not provided suspect descriptions or possible motives for the first two shootings, leaving uncertainty in the affected neighborhoods.
With Lewis now in custody for the third shooting, investigators are working to determine whether additional suspects were involved. SPD continues to ask for public assistance, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in solving violent crimes.
As Savannah grapples with this recent surge in gun violence, law enforcement officials and city leaders are reinforcing their commitment to addressing crime and ensuring justice for the victims and their families.