Savannah teen murdered in city’s 21st homicide in 2016

A Savannah teenager died early Wednesday from sustaining injuries in an overnight shooting.

Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department’s Violent Crimes detectives are investigating the shooting death of Christopher Patterson, 18, of Savannah.

SCMPD responded to the incident around 1 a.m. at Iowa Street and Long Avenue, just a few blocks away from Savannah High school. Police found Patterson with a gunshot wound. Patterson was transported to Memorial University Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Patterson was reportedly walking on Iowa Street when shots were fired, according to SCMPD. Investigators do not believe this crime is a random act and are following leads to identify suspects, according to police reports.

Patterson’s death was SCMPD’s 21st homicide reported this year. According to police records, a 16-year-old girl was also shot in Savannah hours before Patterson’s death. SCMPD responded to the incident at about 9 p.m. Tueday Metro near Friar Tuck Drive, where the victim sought help after being shot at undetermined location. She was transported to Memorial University Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.

Anyone with information may also call CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637) using the keyword CSTOP2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward. A tip line is open directly to investigators at (912) 525-3124.

This story was originally published May 4, 2016 at 1:54 PM with the headline "Savannah teen murdered in city’s 21st homicide in 2016."