UPDATE (July 18, 2022): Kavon Giles, 22, has been charged in connection to the July 7 shooting of Mercedes Contreras on Shellbark Way. Giles was booked into the Chatham County jail on charges of involuntary manslaughter and pointing a gun at another.
UPDATE (July 8, 2022): Mercedes Contreras died the evening of July 7 as a result of her injuries. The investigation continues.
SAVANNAH, GA (July 7, 2022): Savannah Police detectives are investigating an early morning shooting on Shellbark Way that resulted in life threatening injuries to an 18-year-old girl.
Around 12:30 a.m. today officers responded to the 100 block of Shellbark Way and discovered Mercedes Contreras suffering from gunshot wounds. She was transported to Memorial Medical Center for treatment of life-threatening injuries.
Detectives do not believe this is a random shooting. Detectives have identified and interviewed persons of interest who were present during the shooting. The investigation continues.
Anyone with information on this incident or any other violent crime should contact the Violent Crimes Tip Line at (912) 525-3124 or CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020. Tips can also be submitted through a CrimeStoppers online tip portal at https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=757. Tipsters may qualify for a reward of up to $2,500, depending on the severity of the crime.