Dismissed Savannah murder cases spark rift between DA, Mayor
DA Cook Jones playing politics with murder cases, Mayor Johnson says
A Savannah prosecutor’s decision to drop “compromised” murder cases has put her at odds with the city’s Mayor, who says he was blindsided by the announcement.
Chatham County DA Shalena Cook Jones announced last week that she is dropping six murder cases she says were investigated by former police officers Ashley Wood and Darryl Repress. The two had been indicted in the spring for making false statements relating to the cases, which included a 2015 triple homicide.
“Due to our reasoning behind these cases, they likely will not be reopened and reinvestigated.” DA Jones said in her announcement. “And to our office’s determination, they have been compromised. We will not be able to pursue prosecution. Now, that having been said, our office is always looking for new evidence to reopen whole cases and to reactivate an investigation.”
But Mayor Van Johnson, who was in Chicago last week for the Democratic National Convention when he learned the news, says neither he nor Savannah police were made aware of Cook Jones’ decision. Johnson even accused the DA, a fellow Democrat, of playing politics during an election year.
“It’s election season,” Mayor Johnson reminded reporters during his weekly press conference. “That’s what this is about.”
Cook Jones refuted the mayor’s accusations and said that she was advised by Savannah police command before reaching her decision — a claim disputed by police officials.
“The District Attorney’s Office remains steadfast in its commitment to prosecute all cases presented to us following lawful and thorough investigations,” the DA’s office said in a statement. “Additionally, we are dedicated to improving communication with all City and County officials as we continue our mission to serve justice in our community.”
As Cook Jones gears up for a tough re-election challenge, this latest controversy only promises to put more pressure on the embattled prosecutor.
She faces Republican Andre Pretorius in the November 5 general election.