News Summary
A 16-year-old boy, Alexis Milton Jr., was fatally shot in the Ponderosa Apartments area of Savannah late Friday night. This incident raises concerns about juvenile violence, as it marks the second shooting involving a juvenile male within the week. In a separate incident earlier that night, gunfire injured two individuals nearby. The Savannah Police Department is investigating both cases and encourages community support for safety.
Savannah – A tragic incident unfolded late Friday night, August 21, 2025, when 16-year-old Alexis Milton Jr. was fatally shot in the Ponderosa Apartments area of Savannah. This marks the second shooting incident involving a juvenile male within a week.
Savannah Police Department officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 4000 block of LaRoche Avenue at around 10:10 p.m. Upon arrival, they found Milton on the ground suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite initial medical treatment administered at the scene, he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. This fatal shooting contributes to an increasing concern regarding juvenile violence in the area.
Earlier on the same night, around 8:45 p.m., another shooting incident occurred in the 700 block of Wheaton Street, near Randolph Street. ShotSpotter technology detected gunfire prior to this time, indicating an active threat in the area. Witnesses stated that an unidentified group fired upon a vehicle traveling west on Wheaton Street, leading to injuries of two individuals who were subsequently transported to Memorial Health University Medical Center. Both individuals have since been treated and discharged.
The recent rise in violence has been significant, with Milton’s death marking the 20th homicide in Savannah this year. This statistic stands one less than the number recorded at the same point last year but shows a distressing increase of nine from 2023. Although the number of aggravated assaults involving firearms has decreased to 168, representing a 15.6% reduction from 2024 and a 20% reduction from 2023, the prevalence of homicide remains a growing public concern.
The Savannah Police Department is actively investigating both shooting incidents. However, as of now, no arrests have been made related to either case. The authorities are urging the public to assist in the ongoing investigations by contacting CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020 or utilizing the Savannah Police Department’s mobile app to submit any anonymous tips.
An autopsy for Alexis Milton Jr. has been scheduled by the Chatham County Coroner’s Office, which is also examining the circumstances surrounding his untimely death. As the investigation progresses, the community remains on alert, grappling with the implications of these violent occurrences in an area known for its vibrant culture and history.
Public safety officials are stressing the importance of community involvement in addressing violent crime. They encourage residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious situations that may arise to help enhance safety in Savannah.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Savannah Police Department Investigating Deadly Shooting on LaRoche Ave
- Savannah Now: One Man Shot to Death on LaRoche Avenue
- WJCL: Savannah Police Investigating Fatal Shooting on LaRoche Avenue
- Google Search: Savannah Police
- WSAV: Heavy Police Presence Near Lucas Theater
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- WTOC: Savannah Police Investigating Shooting on Wheaton St
- Google News: Savannah Shooting
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
