Savannah Pride Center calling for Bay St. shooting to be investigated as hate crime
Mar 24, 2025
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) - The Savannah Pride Center is calling for the Savannah Police Department (SPD) to look further into a shooting that occurred last week at a Dollar General on Bay Street.
According to the Savannah Pride Center, they feel the shooting that took place on March 15 in downtown S
avannah was a hate crime.
At around 6:10 p.m. Saturday, March 15, officers responded to the scene of a reported shooting. Police discovered the victim, Chris Allen Villegas Fentress, suffering from a gunshot wound. Fentress was transported to Memorial Health University Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.
SPD confirmed Sunday evening that they had arrested 27-year-old Johnathan Manson in connection with the shooting. Manson is charged with murder at this time.
According to the group, Fentress was called anti-gay slurs before he was shot. Fentress was a member and volunteer at the Savannah Pride Center at the time of his death.
The following statement was shared by the group via Facebook:
"This incident has intensified existing fears within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly as Savannah confronts escalating gun violence. The brazen nature of this crime, occurring in a public space during daylight hours, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents."
A spokesperson with SPD sent WSAV the following statement, "At the moment, the facts we have do not support hate crime charges. However, we will continue to work closely with the DA to ensure the appropriate charges are brought as the facts come to light.
"We take our role as a protector of our communities seriously, that includes our marginalized communities. If we find they have been targeted, we will pursue appropriate charges."
Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020 or submit an anonymous tip through the SPD mobile app.
Savannah Pride Center is asking the community to join them Thursday at 6 p.m. in front of the Band Shell at Forsyth Park to remember Chris. ...read more read less
