Family responds following preliminary hearing; Detective lays out evidence in Savannah homicide case

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - New testimony and emotional family statements emerged this week in the preliminary hearing for Malik Frazier, who is accused in a March 1, 2026 shooting that left 26-year-old David Mutcherson Stewart dead on Savannah’s south side.

A Savannah Police Department homicide detective laid out a detailed timeline of surveillance footage, witness accounts, and forensic evidence prosecutors say connects Frazier to the shooting outside Deb’s Lounge on Echols Avenue.

Shooting Followed Parking Lot Dispute

Detective James King testified that Stewart, along with his brother Dominique Mutcherson and their close friend, had been traveling between Rack ’Em Up and Deb’s Lounge when the incident occurred. The group parked a Jeep next to a white Volkswagen driven by Frazier.

According to testimony, Stewart, who was seated in the rear passenger seat, accidentally caused a door to contact the parked sedan while exiting, possibly scratching it.

That minor incident quickly escalated into a verbal argument between Stewart and Frazier.

Witnesses told police others attempted to de-escalate the situation, including repeated efforts to confirm whether everyone was “good” and offering to inspect any damage.

Investigators said Frazier never at any point exited his vehicle to check the damage he was alleging.

Following the hearing, Stewart’s brother, Dominique, said the situation should never have turned deadly.

“About tapping the car… come on man, tapping the car,” he said. “My brother never bothered nobody… all he had to do was just ride off.”

He said the loss has left his family devastated and struggling with the reality of the killing.

“My family still don’t believe it, still shocked at it,” he said. “My momma has eight kids, now it’s down to seven.”

Surveillance Video Shows Shooting

Detectives testified that surveillance footage from a nearby towing company and city cameras captured both vehicles arriving at the location within about a minute of each other.

The video reportedly shows Stewart and his companions walking away from the parking area toward Deb’s Lounge when the white sedan pulls out of its space, following the argument.

Investigators said Frazier then exits the vehicle holding an object in his right hand and runs toward the group- headed inside the bar.

Det. King testified that Frazier fired multiple shots at the three men, striking Stewart in the torso and lower limbs. He then allegedly moved between vehicles in the roadway and fired a second round of additional shots at Stewart after he was already down.

No weapons were found or recovered from Stewart, his brother and friend.

“He just took his pointer and just wanted to shoot my brother,” Stewart’s brother said. “Now both families lost a life.”

Escape Route Tracked Across Savannah

After the shooting, investigators said Frazier returned to the vehicle and fled west toward White Bluff Road, later traveling through multiple areas of Savannah, including Abercorn Street and Skidaway Road.

FLOCK camera systems captured the vehicle at approximately 12:44 a.m. near New Hampstead and White Bluff, allowing investigators to confirm the license plate and trace it to registered owner Sabrina Hicks.

Authorities said Hicks confirmed Frazier frequently used her vehicle and is her boyfriend. Family members told investigators he often borrowed it, including for personal outings and family-related events, like his child’s birthday 2 days prior.

Messages, Interviews, and Vehicle Use

Detectives presented text messages from Hicks’ phone, including exchanges around the time of the shooting such as “what time you coming back,” “you don’t want me anymore, that’s how it seems,” and “good night I love you,” followed by a response hours later.

Hicks initially told police she did not know why her vehicle was on the south side but later said Frazier had taken it that night.

Investigators also interviewed the mother of Frazier’s child, who said he arrived at her residence roughly an hour after the shooting while she was asleep.

Arrest and Firearm Recovery

Frazier was arrested weeks later after U.S. Marshals tracked him to a different woman’s residence on Reed Court in Savannah. He was taken into custody after exiting the underneath area of the home.

His family has pleaded for answers ever since Stewart was killed.

During a search warrant, investigators said they recovered a Glock 10mm firearm hidden inside a hallway vent, along with a bullet found in a toilet and a pair of black Air Force One shoes believed to match those seen in surveillance video.

That woman he was staying with told investigators she had known Frazier for only weeks and believed his name was “Reek.”

She admitted she saw a wanted poster for his arrest, but did not contact police.

She also said her DNA may be on the firearm because she handled it while moving items in the home, away from her child that lives there too.

Forensic testing is ongoing. Investigators said shell casings recovered at the scene were consistent with a 9mm weapon, and results from the recovered firearm have not yet produced a confirmed match.

“Justice Has Been Served, But It’s Not Enough”

Stewart’s brother said hearing the evidence in court has been painful, but accountability alone cannot replace his sibling.

“Justice for me, it’s been served. But it’s nothing like my brother here,” he said. “Justice has been served. But it’s still not going to bring my brother back.”

He said the grief has changed everyday life for his family.

“My brother don’t even call anymore… I don’t have nobody to call and check up on me anymore,” he said.

“Put the Guns Down”

In his closing message, Dominique Mutcherson urged the public to break the cycle of violence.

“Love each other, man… it’s peace, man. Love your family,” he said. “Put the guns down… 2026 is like the reunions at the gravesite now.”

Case Continues

The case was bound up to Superior Court by Judge Crystal Harmon. Frazier remains in custody as the court determines whether there is enough evidence to proceed to a trial.

Additional digital and surveillance evidence is still being processed by investigators.