Chatham County District Attorney's Office

Be sure to join us Thursday, April 25th at 7pm for our Victim's Rights roundtable discussion streaming live on Facebook.

: Marcus Speaks, Jr. was found guilty of four (4) counts including Burglary, Malice Murder, Felony Murder, and Aggravated Assault.

At around 2 a.m. on November 21, 2019, Leopoldo Corona Melendez was murdered on East Fairmont Avenue in Savannah, GA. Savannah Police Department officers were called to the residence in response to a shooting. On May 12, 2020, 19-year-old Marcus Speaks, Jr. was identified as the suspect in the fatal shooting of 45-year-old Leopoldo Corona.

Sentencing will be held at a later date. The defendant faces a life sentence.

The case was investigated by the Savannah Police Department and prosecuted by Lyle Burnham.

Today, and every day, we honor the strength, resilience, and achievements of women from all walks of life. From our dedicated prosecutors to the fearless advocates, we celebrate the contributions of women in shaping a more just and equitable society.

Happy International Women's Day from the Chatham County District Attorney's Office!

Join us in celebrating our very own Robin Shelton-Mikell who was recently acknowledged for her 10th anniversary serving as a Chatham County employee.

Robin is an Advocate within our Victims Witness Assistance Program of The District Attorney’s Office.

The Chatham County Board of Commissioners presented Robin with this milestone honor.

In 2021, Robin was also honored at the House of Representatives by Representative Ron Stephens for her dedication and service to Domestic Violence victims. She is a survivor of adversity and when an unfortunate experience with the criminal justice system occurred in her life, it motivated her to become an advocate for others.

Robin is dedicated to never wanting another victim to feel like no one is there throughout the process. She continuously strives to be an advocate for those in need of support and representation.

Robin’s Motto: "You have to believe in yourself when no one else does.”

Celebrating Women's History Month! The Chatham County District Attorney's Office proudly honors and celebrates the trailblazing women who have shaped our past and continue to inspire our future. Together, let's amplify the voices of women in social justice, criminal justice, and advocacy, as we pave the way for a more equitable world.

Stay connected as we honor remarkable women who continue to make a difference in our world. Happy Women's History Month!

: Jacob Palmer was found guilty of six (6) counts including Hijacking a Motor Vehicle, Aggravated Assault of a Police Officer, Obstruction of an Officer (3 counts), and Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police.

On June 17, 2021, Jacob Palmer stole a Chatham County Police Department vehicle and led members of the Savannah Police Department and the Georgia State Patrol on a high-speed chase. Palmer eventually used an assault rifle to fire at officers.

The case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia State Patrol, and the Chatham County Police Department. Prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Whitney Gregory.

He was sentenced to 54 years with 18 years to serve in prison.

: Edwin DeShawn Brooks was found guilty of eleven (11) counts including Aggravated So**my, Aggravated Child Molestation, In**st, Child Molestation, and R**e.

In December 2020, A fifteen-year-old female minor reported that Edwin Brooks molested her on December 14, 2020, in the Savannah area. The female minor disclosed that she was removed from the care of her mother by the Florida Department of Children Services for child abuse. The female minor was then placed in the care of Brooks, who worked in Savannah, GA, and stayed at an Extended Stay Hotel.

During the investigation for the first victim, investigators were notified by Florida DCS that a second victim, a thirteen-year-old female minor disclosed that she was assaulted on two occasions while in the Savannah area during a visitation with Brooks. During the first assault, the thirteen-year-old female minor was molested at the Extended Stay Hotel. During the second assault, she was molested and r***d at a hotel in the Pooler jurisdiction.

Both cases were investigated and found probable cause to make an arrest on Brooks. Information was shared with the Pooler Police Department, who also charged Brooks. Brooks was ultimately indicted and formally charged with a total of twelve (12) felony charges.

Brooks was then sentenced to four (4) consecutive life sentences, plus 150 years. 146 of those years are to be served, with four (4) of those to be probated.

Endless kudos go out to The Savannah Police Department, Pooler Police Department, SVU investigators, The US Marshalls, our Assistant District Attorneys, and all others who assisted on this case.

The Chatham County District Attorney’s Office celebrates the life of U.S. Army Sgt. Breonna Moffett, 23, who tragically lost her life in northeast Jordan on Jan. 28, 2024. We honor her unwavering commitment to serving our country.

This past Thursday, our Investigators paid their respects to Moffett by participating in the motorcade procession.

Moffett was serving as a horizontal construction engineer with the 718th Engineer Company and was memorialized at a ceremony at Jonesville Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia on Feb. 17, 2024.

Moffett enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve on April 29, 2019, at the age of 17. She was awarded the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with “C” Device, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Devive, Army Service Ribbon, and a Combat Action Badge.

Moffett was a graduate of Windsor Forest High School and was remembered as a natural-born leader serving as both the marching band drum major and a member of the JROTC program.

“Before she decided to raise her right hand and serve, she was already a natural leader...She had the distinct ability to lead her peers, lead in any social situation she had, and she made people feel seen and heard.” - U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Gupton.

Moffett will be interred at a private ceremony in Bay Springs, Mississippi. The family and friends of Sgt. Moffett is in our constant thoughts and prayers.

Her legacy of service and sacrifice will forever be etched in our hearts. “Even before she served (in the Army), she had been serving.”

Join us as we recognize World Day of Social Justice! 🌍✊🏽 Today, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering equality, fairness, and justice for all in Chatham County and beyond.

Did you know? World Day of Social Justice, observed annually on February 20th, emphasizes the importance of addressing social inequalities and promoting inclusivity.

Let's continue to advocate for a more just and equitable society together and ensure justice reaches every corner of our community.

Join our team as an Assistant District Attorney! To view employment opportunities, click here ➡️ bit.ly/4bbX4JB

February is National Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Month. The Chatham County District Attorney's Office is committed to ensuring justice and the overall well-being of the youth.

About 1 in 12 high school students in the United States have experienced physical or sexual dating violence. Experiencing an unhealthy or abusive relationship as a teen can increase a young person’s risk of facing violence in intimate relationships throughout their lives.

If you or someone you know is involved in an abusive relationship of any kind, immediate and confidential support is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s project focused on supporting young people by visiting loveisrespect.org, calling 1-866-331-9474, or texting “LOVEIS” to 22522.

This past Saturday was a groundbreaking day in history for Savannah, GA as the unveiling of Taylor Square took place. The day-filled event included a formal program in honor of the late Susie King Taylor, who was born into slavery and went on to become a nurse during the Civil War and the first Black teacher to openly teach African Americans in Georgia.

Since Savannah's inception in 1733, this is the first time a Savannah square has been named after an African American, a formerly enslaved person, and a woman. Community leaders like Patt Gunn along with The Susie King Taylor Center for Jubilee, Reconciliation & Healing remained determined since 2020 to make a change and positive impact by petitioning to remove the former Calhoun Square and with initial plans to rename the square "Sankofa", but ultimately naming it after a diligent woman of servitude that made an impact on women, men, and children during her time in Savannah, GA: Mrs. Susie King Taylor.

It takes a village and we are honored to bear witness to history in the making set forth by community leaders, The City of Savannah, and all constituents involved.