In the early hours of February 2, 2023, the life of 18-year-old Syee Devon Havior was tragically cut short in what authorities described as a targeted home invasion in Milledgeville, Georgia. Havior, a senior at Baldwin High School, had recently become a father. He was at his home on Black Springs Road when multiple individuals arrived after midnight. At least one person entered the residence and opened fire, shooting Havior multiple times.
His family was present in the home at the time but were not physically harmed. Havior's father, Otis Havior, recalled hearing his son call out for him, followed by several gunshots. Despite efforts by his brothers to render aid and his subsequent transport to a hospital, Syee Havior succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into the shooting, led by the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, quickly led to arrests. Four suspects were ultimately charged with felony murder in connection with Havior's death. These included two adults, 18-year-old Malik Atravion Smith and 19-year-old Jarius Tremon Washington, as well as two 16-year-old juveniles, later identified as Derrius Holmes and Shane Tassi. Investigators believed the home invasion was connected to a burglary that had occurred at the residence a few weeks prior, during which firearms were stolen.
In the ensuing legal proceedings, some of the individuals responsible for Havior's death were held accountable. In March 2024, Jarius Washington and Malik Smith both pleaded guilty to home invasion charges and were each sentenced to 20 years in prison. As part of their plea agreements, they agreed to testify against the alleged shooter. Shane Tassi, one of the juveniles charged, was later convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. During the sentencing, prosecutors identified Tassi as the one who knocked on the door and, after a brief exchange, fired multiple shots into the home, striking and killing Syee Havior.
