Two Arrests Made in Connection with Separate Homicides in Cordele

In two separate incidents, arrests have been made in connection with fatal shootings that occurred in Cordele, Georgia.

The first incident took place on Thursday, September 21st, 2023, at approximately 10:00 P.M. when officers from the Cordele Police Department responded to reports of multiple gunshots in the 1000 block of Tulip Ave. Upon arrival, officers discovered nineteen-year-old Rondarrius Wedges inside a vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite emergency lifesaving efforts, Wedges succumbed to his injuries. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was called in to assist with the investigation.

After months of investigation, on Thursday, March 28th, 2024, Lee Savage III, 21 years old, was arrested and charged with Felony Murder and Aggravated Assault in connection with Wedges’ death. Savage III was already incarcerated in the Crisp County Jail on unrelated charges at the time of his arrest.

The second incident occurred on January 5th, 2024, shortly before 1:00 a.m., when officers responded to a shooting call at Hilltop Apartments in the 200 block of W 24th Ave. They found thirty-year-old Davieon Lavant with gunshot wounds. Lavant was transported to Crisp Regional Hospital but succumbed to his injuries despite efforts to save him. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was again called in to assist in the investigation.

During the course of the investigation into Lavant’s death, Jayveon Royal, 21 years old, was arrested and charged with Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Crime. Additionally, Kavien Butler, 19 years old, was arrested and charged with being a party to the crime of Felony Murder and Aggravated Assault.

The Cordele Police Department, Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Community Supervision, and Mid-South Narcotics Task Force collaborated in these investigations. District Attorney Brad Rigby of the Cordele Judicial Circuit is overseeing the prosecution of these cases.

As these cases remain active, anyone with information about these incidents can contact the Cordele Police Department at 229-276-2921 or non-emergency 911 at 229-276-2690, the GBI Region 3 Office at 229-931-2439 , the GBI Tipline 1.800-597-8477 or online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.