Weeks after fatal shooting at Frazier Homes, tenants say damage remains unrepaired; Housing Authority responds

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Weeks after a deadly shooting rocked the Frazier Homes housing complex in Savannah, some residents say the physical damage left behind still hasn’t been repaired — and they’re growing increasingly frustrated.

In late December, Savannah police responded to a homicide at the complex. Investigators say 24-year-old John Oliver was shot and killed outside one of the apartment buildings.

Police have charged two suspects in connection with the shooting: 19-year-old Shaheem Coleman and 36-year-old John Coleman, who authorities say are uncle and nephew.

Both face charges related to Oliver’s death.

In the meantime, his family has started a GoFundMe in his honor.

A motive has not yet been released. The case has been moving through the courts, with both men scheduled to return to court on the 23rd for a preliminary hearing.

But for some neighbors, the legal process offers little comfort as they continue living with the aftermath.

Shaneen Bryant, who lives steps away from where the shooting happened, says she wasn’t home the night gunfire erupted on December 28. She believes that may have saved her life.

Bryant showed us the path a bullet took through her apartment — entering through her kitchen window and exiting through her living room window. The shattered glass and damage, she says, remain weeks later.

“Had I been home, I could’ve been killed,” Bryant said.

She describes a long list of maintenance problems she says she’s faced over the past year — from broken blinds and a damaged door handle to a lack of air conditioning during the summer. Now, she says, bullet holes can be added to that list.

“So this is the worst you’ve seen?” WTOC’s Madalyn Bierster asked.

“Very much worse,” Bryant responded. “And I’ve had slumlords. And to me, this is beyond. Beyond.”

Bryant says she contacted property management about the broken windows. According to her, she was told to file a police report in order to have the damage repaired.

But Bryant argues that management should already have access to the necessary documentation, given that the shooting was investigated on-site by multiple Savannah Police detectives.

“If you’re aware, then I know that you’re aware that my windows and my neighbor’s truck window was caught in the midst of all of that,” she said. “So I don’t need a police report because you already have that.”

She says the broken windows have left her apartment exposed to the elements for weeks, even through recent winter weather.

“We’ve had snow. These windows have not been fixed for a month,” Bryant said. “I went in there. The lady’s just looking at me.”

Bryant adds that she and other residents feel they are being unfairly affected by violence they had nothing to do with.

“It’s not just me. It’s a lot of us,” she said. “We don’t have nothing to do with whatever be going on over here. Everybody has their own problems, their own stresses, their own issues in their own homes. And when you’re not safe in your own home because something on the outside is coming in that you had nothing to do with — that’s not right.”

Residents say they simply want to feel secure in their own homes again.

WTOC reached out to the housing authority with specific questions about the reported maintenance delays.

Statement from the Housing Authority of Savannah Regarding Frazier Homes Incident

“The Housing Authority of Savannah (HAS) is aware of the incident that occurred at Frazier Homes on December 28 and the concerns raised by a resident whose unit sustained damage during that tragic event.”

“First and foremost, we are thankful that the resident was not physically harmed. The safety and well-being of our residents is our highest priority, and any situation that places members of our community at risk is taken extremely seriously.“

“Our property management team has clarified that the broken glass was not reported to management until January 15. Upon receiving notification today, staff promptly engaged with the resident to address the matter.”

“Two options were offered to secure the window opening: installation of clear plexiglass or boarding the window. The resident declined the plexiglass option due to concerns about scratching and elected to proceed with a board-up.”

“Our maintenance supervisor is currently on site completing the installation, and we are accommodating the resident’s request to install the board in a manner that allows for natural light to enter the unit. A more permanent fix will take place next week once ordered supplies arrive.”

“In addition to addressing the window damage, all other concerns raised by the resident have been resolved. The unit has been treated for pests, and the drywall areas identified by the resident have been resealed. HAS’s Director of Property Management has provided direct contact information to the resident and encouraged ongoing communication should any further issues arise.”

“With regard to broader safety efforts, HAS has strengthened collaboration with the Savannah Police Department by initiating monthly security meetings to improve communication and reporting of police-related incidents.”

“Officers have also agreed to attend monthly resident meetings at each property to reinforce safety initiatives and maintain a visible community policing presence. Dedicated officers are assigned to support our communities.”

“The Housing Authority of Savannah remains fully committed to providing safe, decent, and sanitary housing for all residents. We continue to evaluate and enhance security measures, invest in property maintenance, and work in partnership with local law enforcement and residents to foster a secure and supportive living environment.”