In the summer of 2018, the life of 63-year-old Eric C. Cooley was tragically cut short in Savannah, Georgia. On Monday, July 23, 2018, Cooley became a victim of gun violence, his death later being investigated as a homicide by the Savannah Police Department. His passing at Candler General Hospital marked a sorrowful end, leaving a community searching for answers.
The investigation into Cooley's death unfolded over several months.
In a significant development, on March 14, 2019, the Savannah Police Department announced a major breakthrough in the case. Seven individuals were indicted in connection with a series of violent crimes that included five homicides, one of which was Cooley's. This indictment was the result of a complex investigation that began in June 2018, linking a number of individuals to various violent acts.
The individuals indicted in connection to Cooley's murder and other crimes were identified as Osha Dunham, Nelaunte Grant, Cordell and Donnell Richardson, Malik McKenzie, and Jevon Williams. At the time of the announcement, another suspect, Jahonne Manigo, was still at large. The charges brought against these individuals were extensive and severe, including murder, violations of the street gang and terrorism act, robbery, and aggravated assault, painting a picture of a dangerous network operating within the city. The indictments covered a span of criminal activity stretching back to 2013, highlighting the long-term impact of this group on the community.
