In Session: Man indicted for July 8 murder on 49th and Florance Street

(This story was updated to correct a misspelling/typo.)

This column is part of a weekly round-up of notable grand jury indictments and court decisions, following through on cases reported by Savannah Morning News public safety reporter Drew Favakeh. If there are cases you're curious about, email Drew at AFavakeh@Gannett.com.

Man indicted for July shooting death at 49th and Florence Street

On Oct. 2, a Chatham County grand jury indicted Dawontay Williams for malice murder, felony murder, and two counts of aggravated assault, for the July 8 shooting death of Lee Eddis Tyson and the assaults of two other people.

The Savannah Police Department (SPD) arrested Williams, 19 at the time, on July 8 in connection with the July 7 shooting at 49th and Florance Street , according to an SPD press release. The 16-year-old male who suffered “serious injuries” as a result of the shooting died . SPD charged Williams with murder and two counts of aggravated assault, noted the press release.

More: Savannah Police arrests 19-year-old with July 7 shooting death of teenager

James Dwight Dean found not guilty on multiple charges

On Sept. 26, a Chatham County jury found James Dwight Dean not guilty of malice murder, felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, and three counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

The trial judge issued a directed verdict for felony murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to a copy of the sentence order.

A directed verdict is a ruling entered by a trial judge after determining that there is no legally sufficient evidentiary basis for a reasonable jury to reach a different conclusion, according to Cornell Law School.

More: Savannah Police arrest suspect in deadly double shooting on Robinson Circle

More: In Session: Chatham County Superior Court Judge denies motion to withdraw guilt plea

SPD officers responded at around 1:10 p.m. on July 21, 2022, to a shooting on the 5400 block of Robinson Circle, where they found two victims, according to an SPD press release . Dominique Richardson, 33, died as a result of his injuries. Isiah Foust, 20, was transported to Memorial University Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

SMN reported in mid-March 2024 that the lead prosecutor in the case against Dean, along with another prosecutor, left the Chatham County District Attorney’s Office to accept an ADA position with the Brunswick District Attorney’s Office, where they both would be making more money, Chatham County DA Shalena Cook Jones said in a text message at the time. O’Brien and Gregory’s replacements were set to begin in early April, confirmed Jones at the time.

Drew Favakeh is the public safety and courts reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at AFavakeh@Gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: In Session: Man indicted for July 8 murder on 49th and Florance Street