In the late evening of September 21, 2016, a tragic event unfolded on a street in Savannah, Georgia, that would cut short the life of a new and valued member of the community. Kevin Reid, a 54-year-old Caucasian male, was taking an after-dinner stroll with his wife, Kari Graham-Reid, near their home. As they walked in the 400 block of East Waldburg Street, three men emerged from the shadows, confronting the couple in what appeared to be an attempted armed robbery. In a final, heroic act, Reid pushed his wife out of the way, a move that his wife believes saved her life. In the ensuing moments, one of the assailants shot Reid. He was transported to Memorial University Medical Center but succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital.
The news of Reid's death sent shockwaves through the Savannah community. Originally from Canberra, Australia, Reid had moved to Savannah and, in April of that year, had opened The Australian Aboriginal Art Gallery, specializing in contemporary art from the central and western deserts of his home country. He was quickly embraced by the local community and was considered a proud citizen and a respected member of the tourism family. Friends and acquaintances remembered him as a kind, easygoing, and adventurous person with a passion for his work. His death was the 42nd homicide in Savannah that year, a statistic that concerned many residents and sparked conversations about the city's rising crime rate.
The investigation into Kevin Reid's murder was launched immediately by the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department. The suspects were described as three Black males. One of the men was further described as having a medium complexion and wearing a light-colored bandana over his face. After the shooting, the suspects were reportedly last seen heading south on Price Street. Despite canvassing the area and pursuing leads, police have been unable to make an arrest in the case. Over the years, the investigation has stalled, with leads reportedly going cold. A reward has been offered for any information that leads to an arrest, but as of now, the case remains unsolved, leaving Reid's family and the Savannah community still searching for answers and justice.
