In the summer of 2014, a life was tragically cut short in Statesboro, Georgia. Eric Alexander Reese, a 46-year-old male, was fatally shot on the evening of Friday, August 15th. The incident occurred at the Park Place Apartments on Lanier Drive, where an altercation involving firearms broke out. When police responded to the scene at approximately 8:30 p.m., they discovered Reese had already succumbed to a gunshot wound to the chest.
A native of Emanuel County who had resided in Bulloch County for many years, Reese was remembered by his family as a hardworking man who was employed as a brick mason. His nephew described him as a kind and positive person who was a bright spot in their family and was looking forward to getting married. According to his nephew, Reese was an innocent bystander, caught in the crossfire of a dispute believed to involve several high school students. He was a father to four children.
The investigation into the shooting led to several arrests. The day after the incident, a 17-year-old named Lester Parrish was taken into custody and subsequently charged with murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. Parrish was held at the Bulloch County Jail.
In addition to the primary suspect, law enforcement detained six other individuals in connection with the shooting. Following the incident, several people were seen running from the scene across Veterans Memorial Parkway into a nearby field, where they were apprehended. Among those taken into custody were three 16-year-old juveniles. Three other teenagers were also arrested: Qu'Shaun Xavier Donta Williams, 17, who faced charges including obstruction and marijuana possession with intent to distribute; and both Michael Crayshawn London, 17, and Malcolm Jamal Johnson, 17, who were charged with obstruction and loitering/prowling.
