Three individuals have been taken into custody by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) in connection with two separate homicide cases in Cordele, Georgia. The accused, Lee Savage III, Jayveon Royal, and Kavien Butler, are facing serious charges including felony murder. According to the GBI, the first case involves 21-year-old Savage III, who was arrested on March 28, 2024, and charged with felony murder and aggravated assault in the death of 19-year-old Rondarrius Wedges.
The tragic incident that claimed the life of Wedges occurred on September 21, 2023. Reports obtained by the GBI indicate that Cordele Police Department officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of Tulip Ave following calls of gunshots. Upon arriving, they discovered Wedges with numerous gunshot wounds inside a car where he eventually succumbed to his injuries. Savage III was already in custody at the Crisp County Jail on unrelated charges when he was charged for this crime.
The second case reveals that 21-year-old Royal was arrested on January 18, facing charges of felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, linked to the death of 30-year-old Davieon Lavant. In addition, 19-year-old Butler has been charged with party to the crime of felony murder and party to the crime of aggravated assault. On January 5, officers responded to a shooting at Hilltop Apartments, where they discovered Lavant with gunshot injuries. Despite efforts by Crisp County EMS, Lavant did not survive.
The GBI further reported that their investigation led to the arrests after information was obtained, which pointed to the involvement of the accused. Both Royal and Butler have since been booked into the Crisp County Jail. The investigations into these incidents have been a collaborative effort involving not just the GBI, but also the Cordele Police Department, Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Community Supervision, and the Mid-South Narcotics Task Force. District Attorney Brad Rigby of the Cordele Judicial Circuit will be prosecuting both cases.
As these homicide cases continue to unfold, law enforcement is urging anyone with information to come forward and provide assistance. Individuals with knowledge on these incidents can reach out to the Cordele Police Department at 229-276-2921, non-emergency 911 at 229-276-2690, or directly to the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Americus at 229-931-2439.
