Savannah father indicted on felony murder charges after death of infant son now in custody

CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - [UPDATE 5:13 p.m. 10/2/2025] The Chatham County Police Department has arrested Landon Rye, father of Liam Rye, in connection with his son’s murder in 2023.

In a press release, the Chatham County Police Department says “Today, Chatham County Police Department detectives and members of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Division took 25-year-old Landon Rye into custody.”

Liam Rye died on September 5, 2023. The child’s death was investigated by the by the Chatham County Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division.

Landon Rye is being held at the Chatham County Detention Center.

[ORIGINAL STORY] A father in Chatham County, 25-year-old Landon Rye, has been indicted on 2 counts of felony murder and cruelty to children following the death of his son 2 years ago, according to court documents released Monday.

Back in 2023, we reported on the investigation into the ‘suspicious death’ of 6-month-old Liam Rye.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: ‘Suspicious death’ of 6-month-old Liam Rye under investigation, according to coroner’s office

Liam Rye died on September 5, 2023, at a Savannah hospital. The Chatham County Police Department said they were investigating the death as a homicide.

See September 20, 2023 Chatham County Police Department post:

The Chatham County Police Department is investigating the death of a six-month-old child who died on September 5, 2023. We are currently investigating the case as a homicide. However, the investigation is active and ongoing. No arrests have been made & no charges have been filed.

— Chatham County Police Department (@ChathamCountyPD) September 20, 2023

On September 21, 2023 we obtained a police report and audio of a dispatch call to create a timeline leading up to the death of 6-month-old Liam Rye.

SEE: Police investigating ‘suspicious death’ of 6-month-old Liam Rye as homicide

We also obtained child’s intake reports with the state’s Department of Family and Children Services for more insight into injuries before his death.

Previous coverage:

Immediately after Liam’s death, a Facebook group was formed called ‘Justice for Liam Rye’.

According to DFCS intake reports obtained by WTOC Investigates in 2023, Liam sustained a fractured skull, a swollen head, and two brain bleeds. Bruises were “observed in a picture around the front of Liam’s neck.” It is unknown what caused the bruises.

As for what led up to this, the intake report states on or around August 31, Liam fell off of his bed and hit the floor.

The same report says his mother didn’t take Liam to a pediatrician as recommended by a nurse hotline she texted. They called 911 two days later on September 2.

Now, two years later, a grand jury’s indictment says Landon Rye killed his 6-month old son, Liam Rye by blunt force trauma to the head.

Landon Rye was indicted on two counts of felony murder, aggravated assault family violence, and cruelty to children. The object that was used to kill Liam was not revealed.

Its unclear if Liam’s mother Madison will face charges.