2 Pooler assault suspects denied bond after preliminary hearing

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Two suspects accused in the Pooler parking lot assault case appeared in court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing and were denied bond, according to testimony presented in court.

Jimmy Lee Alexander and Ronnie Scott Jr. both had bond requests rejected due to concerns for public safety and the safety of the victim, the judge ruled.

Alexander is charged with party to a crime, accused of recording video of the assault. Scott is charged with aggravated assault after detectives testified they believe he is visible in the video and participated in the beating.

Investigators also testified they believe the assault was targeted, claiming it happened after the victim testified in a double homicide case. Detectives told the court that everyone seen in the video is believed to be associated with the same Savannah gang, and noted they appeared to be wearing similar clothing.

During the hearing, both defense attorneys argued their clients should be released on bond, citing what they described as differences in warrant dates and an alleged lack of proof that either defendant was present during the incident.

Both suspects are expected to appear in Superior Court next.