UPDATE: Statesboro Police Dept Investigating Homicide at Cambridge the Pines Apartments

UPDATE from SPD 02/21/2024:

As released in a previous statement, SPD detectives began an investigation into a homicide reported on 2/12/24 at Cambridge the Pines (122 Lanier Drive, Statesboro). In that incident, an adult male was found in Cambridge the Pines dead from multiple gunshot wounds. Two other adult males with non-life threatening gunshot wounds had driven from the Pines to East Georgia Regional Medical Center for treatment. The wounded males have subsequently been released from medical treatment.

Detectives, working with the GBI’s Coastal Crime Lab, positively identified the decedent as Anthony Jermail Johnson (19) of Statesboro. Johnson was familiar to detectives, as at the time of his death he had active warrants for Felony Murder and Aggravated Assault. That case began on 11/30/23 when Antawan Strickland was shot to death at a residence on Success Court in Statesboro. Based on the results of that investigation, detectives had issued warrants for Johnson on 12/1/23 and requested his family’s assistance in safely taking him into custody. Johnson instead fled Statesboro and his warrants were turned over to the U.S. Marshals Service Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force for service. Despite the best efforts of Federal authorities, Johnson was able to remain at large and at some point returned to Statesboro. SPD detectives believe that Johnson received assistance from others to remain at large, and the investigation into these other aiding parties continues .

On 2/12/24, the evidence suggests that Johnson made contact with three individuals at The Vault Apartments (1699 Statesboro Place Circle) before riding with them to Cambridge the Pines. A drug transaction then took place between Johnson and the three individuals. At some point during the transaction, Johnson became angry and produced a firearm which he pointed and subsequently discharged at the three occupants of the car, striking two of them. The occupants of the car then returned fire, mortally wounding Johnson. The occupants of the car have cooperated with detectives as have other independent witnesses located inside of the complex who witnessed the shooting.

Based on the death of Johnson, the only offender in the Success Court homicide, that case will be closed. Antawan Strickland’s family has been notified of the clearance of their son’s case.

At this point in the Cambridge the Pines investigation, detectives have determined, in consultation with representatives of the District Attorney’s Office, that the force used against Johnson was allowed by law. Johnson was in the process of committing an aggravated assault against the three males in the car to which they responded. No charges are anticipated related to Johnson’s death against any of the males in the car. Other charges related to the drug activity and events uncovered by the investigation are likely, however. Should further information develop which changes this charging decision, it will be provided to the media in a subsequent release.

Anyone with information on this case should contact Senior Detective Dustin Cross at 912-764-9911 or submit an anonymous tip to www.tipsoft.com or by texting 274637 and entering “TIPSSPD” plus your message.

ORIGINAL:

Statesboro Police Department detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred Monday afternoon at Cambridge the Pines Apartments. Officers responded to the apartments for a shots fired report and discovered a deceased adult male with gunshot wounds. Two males arrived at EGRMC for non-life threatening gunshot wounds, and detectives determined the incidents were connected. This investigation is still open and further information will be released as the case progresses.

From SPD:

On 2/12/24 at 5:30 p.m. SPD officers responded to Cambridge the Pines Apartments in the 100 block of Lanier Drive in Statesboro for a report of shots fired. While these officers were still enroute to the Pines, two adult males arrived at East Georgia Regional Medical Center with non-life threatening gunshot wounds. As officers arrived at the Pines, they located an adult male with gunshot wounds and began rendering aid. Bulloch County EMS arrived on scene but determined that the adult male was deceased. Detectives responded to both the Pines and EGRMC to begin the criminal investigation.

During the course of the evening, detectives determined that the surviving males had driven from the Pines after being shot and that they and the deceased male were connected. At this point in the investigation, it appears as though a dispute between the identified individuals resulted in gunfire.

The identities of the involved individuals are not being released at this time pending further investigation. Additional releases will follow as the case progresses. Officers from the Georgia Southern University Police Department and deputies with the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office assisted in securing the scene and their assistance is greatly appreciated.

Anyone with information on this case should contact Senior Detective Dustin Cross at 912-764-9911 or submit an anonymous tip to www.tipsoft.com or by texting 274637 and entering “TIPSSPD” plus your message.