Kayla Davis, 21, left her Savannah home on July 1, 2023, to walk to a nearby corner store and never returned. Police were called to a backyard on Bismarck Avenue after a report of a stabbing; a witness said he was awakened by a gunshot and found Kayla on the ground. Another woman at the scene later said Kayla was foaming at the mouth. Although officers initially told the family she had been stabbed, the county coroner determined Kayla died from a gunshot wound to the torso and ruled the death a homicide.

On July 6, 2023, police arrested 17-year-old Javonte Ward and charged him initially with tampering with evidence. A grand jury later indicted him on August 23, 2023, for involuntary manslaughter, tampering with evidence, making a false statement, and possession of a handgun by a person under 18, alleging he shot Kayla without any intention to do so and then concealed the .380 caliber pistol and gave a false statement. After the indictment he was granted bond; subsequent developments have affected the case’s status.

If anyone has information about Kayla’s movements that evening or the incident on Bismarck Avenue, please share what you know.