In the early morning hours of November 12, 2025, the life of D'angelo 'Akon' Shaw, a 40-year-old male Army veteran, was tragically cut short in Savannah, Georgia. Shaw was working a security detail at Lucky's Pub, a job he took on to support his four children, when he was fatally shot just before 2:00 a.m. as Veterans Day celebrations were coming to a close. The incident occurred outside the establishment on East Gateway Blvd. Friends and community members were left reeling from the senseless act of violence that took a man known for his dedication and inspirational journey.
D'Angelo Shaw's path was one of resilience and service. He spent 12 years in the U.S. Army, serving as a platoon sergeant and paratrooper with a combat tour in Afghanistan. His transition back to civilian life was fraught with challenges, including a period of homelessness while he pursued a college education. Despite these hardships, Shaw persevered, working his way up from a difficult situation to become the general manager of a Planet Fitness in Statesboro. He was also a co-founder of Heroes in the Sky, a foundation dedicated to supporting veterans, first responders, and active-duty personnel, with a focus on mental health and suicide awareness. His nickname, 'Akon,' was a nod to his resemblance to the R&B artist.
Following the shooting, the Chatham County Police Department quickly launched an investigation. Their efforts led to the apprehension and arrest of 45-year-old Jeremy Scarth later the same day. Investigators believe that Scarth approached Shaw outside the bar before the fatal shooting. Scarth was subsequently charged with murder. In late January 2026, a grand jury in Chatham County indicted Scarth on multiple charges, including felony murder, malice murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm while committing a felony. The community that Shaw had so positively impacted mourned his loss through memorials and fundraisers, remembering him as a devoted father and a hero who was tragically taken on a day meant to honor his service.
