Jakia De'ceontae Lanier, 36, was killed by a gunshot at her home in the 500 block of Emerald Drive in the early morning hours of May 26, 2024. She was asleep with her fiancé, Willie Roberson, and their baby when a single bullet pierced the bedroom window and struck the headboard before fatally wounding her. Roberson secured the child and found Lanier unresponsive; she was taken to Memorial Health University Medical Center and pronounced dead. The Chatham County Coroner’s Office confirmed she had been shot at least once and scheduled an autopsy as part of a homicide investigation.

Lanier was a mother of four. Her fiancé called her a real-life angel and has publicly appealed for justice, saying he believes the bullet was not meant for them. The Savannah Police Department is actively investigating and seeking information from anyone who may have seen or heard anything that night.

If anyone knew Jakia, saw activity on Emerald Drive that night, or has information that could help the investigation, please contact the Savannah Police Department.