Jury selected in Savannah murder trial as co-defendants prepare to testify

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Jury selection began Monday in a Savannah murder case that has waited more than three years for resolution. Two of the three defendants charged in the shooting are expected to testify this week against their co-defendant, Mikell Sanders, who faces murder charges.

12 jurors were selected from a pool of 45 Chatham County residents.

SEE: Jury trial starts Monday morning for 3 men charged in 2022 fatal shooting

SEE: 3 men set to appear before a judge Monday, following fatal 2022 shooting

A Family’s Long Wait for Justice

The case stems from a November 2022 shooting that claimed the life of Mykel Price, 31, and left Xavier Johnson injured. Price was shot outside his home on Winwood Place just two days before Thanksgiving that year. The fatal injuries left Price’s young son and daughter without their father.

Johnson survived the attack.

Within three months of the shooting, law enforcement arrested three men: Marquis Grant, Malik Grant, and Mikell Sanders. The Grant brothers, who are related, have since accepted plea agreements and agreed to testify about the circumstances leading to Price’s death.

Both Grant brothers have already been sentenced to probation.

Sanders has not been offered a plea deal. He has remained on house arrest with an ankle monitor while awaiting trial.

Trial Proceedings Begin

During Monday’s jury selection, Sanders appeared in the courtroom dressed in black clothing and glasses. As prosecutors, defense attorneys and the judge questioned the jury pool, Sanders turned to face the prospective jurors to ensure he receives a fair trial.

The actual trial is scheduled to begin Tuesday morning around 9 a.m., with testimony expected to get underway.

The case represents a significant moment for Price’s family, who have sought justice for more than three years following the shooting.