15-year-old Desaray Gilliard’s death at Yamacraw Village remains unsolved, community gathers for 3 year anniversary

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - It’s been 3 years since a Savannah mother last held her daughter... 15-year-old Desaray Gilliard was shot and killed at Yamacraw Village on May 6th, 2022. Her case is still unsolved.

Tuesday, her mother held a walk and candlelight vigil in her honor, calling it Mayday for Desaray. She would’ve been 18 this year, but was tragically killed on this exact date, three years ago.

The person behind the gun is still not known. Tuesday night, members of the community showed up in support.

“Nobody out there is on the front lines. Like I am keeping her memory alive, keeping her story going,” said Detraya Gilliard.

A mother who continues to fight for answers in her daughter’s death, Detraya Gilliard, found her 15-year-old daughter shot right outside of their home in Yamacraw Village.

She says she lost her best friend that day and a piece of herself as well.

“We keep losing more and more of our young people. It’s happening on a weekly basis. There’s always a shooting going on, but nobody wants to address it,” said Gilliard.

The ceremony, attended by the detective over her case, Jacob Hildebrand, Savannah’s Police Chief Lenny Gunther, along former DA Candidate Andre Pretorius.

“To know that a girl this young was murdered here and no one has found the coward that did that, and that coward hasn’t come forward yet. The problem that we have in this city is that we have too much gun violence,” said Andre Pretorius.

The fight against the violence continues-- other parents of gun violence victims, also in attendance, sharing stories of their loved one’s final moments.

“Not just for Desaray, but for everybody that ever suffered gun violence,” said Elijah West, a Bullhorn Committee Member.

“The right solution is to look it in the face and come up with ways together to combat gun violence,” said Gilliard.

The ceremony wrapped up with a walk to Desaray’s memorial at the complex... Candles lit in her honor, alongside other children who still live in that community... Followed by a balloon release, all to honor young Desaray’s life and legacy. Her mother hopes that her story can help at least one person.

Denouncing gun violence and also reminding our young people that there are other ways to get their frustrations out was another main takeaway from the ceremony.

If you have any information on what happened on May 6th, 2022, to Desaray Gilliard, reach out to SPD-- you can remain anonymous.

To leave a tip, call 912-525-3124, or you can remain anonymous at 912-234-2020. Even the smallest amount of information can help break open the case.