In the early hours of a summer night in Savannah, Georgia, a gathering of acquaintances turned into a scene of violence that claimed the life of 54-year-old Rodger Donaldson. On June 1, 2020, police responded to a call shortly after midnight at a residence in the 500 block of Alamo Street, where they found Donaldson and a 51-year-old woman, Angela Scott, suffering from gunshot wounds.
Both victims were quickly transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Rodger Donaldson succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. Scott, the other victim in the shooting, was reported to be in stable condition following the incident.
The Savannah Police Department's Homicide Unit immediately began an investigation into the shooting. According to their preliminary findings, an altercation had broken out among individuals who were known to each other during the gathering at the Alamo Street home, which ultimately led to the gunfire.
In a swift turn of events, investigators were able to identify a suspect in the fatal shooting. The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Darrick Gates, turned himself in to the authorities on the evening of the same day as the incident. Following his surrender, Gates was charged with murder and aggravated assault for his alleged involvement in the death of Rodger Donaldson and the wounding of Angela Scott.
