Savannah, Georgia, January 6, 2026
A tragic shooting in a Savannah Target parking lot arose from a dispute over a parking space. 30-year-old Matthew Traywick lost his life in the incident, while 30-year-old Tyler Linn was arrested and charged with murder and aggravated assault. The community is grappling with the violence linked to minor arguments, as local authorities highlight the need for restraint in conflicts.
Savannah
A dispute over a parking space at a south Georgia Target store on Sunday afternoon tragically escalated into a fatal shooting, leading to the arrest of a suspect who remained at the scene. The incident resulted in the death of a 30-year-old father, Matthew Traywick, and has deeply affected the local community. Authorities have charged 30-year-old Tyler Linn with murder and aggravated assault in connection with the event.
Details of the Incident
The fatal encounter occurred around 4:10 p.m. on Sunday, January 4, 2026, in the parking lot of the Target store located on Abercorn Street in Savannah, Georgia. Police responded to reports of a shooting and found Matthew Traywick suffering from gunshot wounds. He was immediately transported to Memorial Health University Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Investigations indicate that the shooting stemmed from an argument between Traywick and Linn regarding a parking spot. Savannah Mayor Van Johnson issued a statement acknowledging the “tragic act of violence” and extended thoughts to the victim and his family, emphasizing that “No disagreement over a parking space, or anything else should ever end in the loss of life”.
The Arrest and Background of the Suspect
Tyler Linn remained at the scene following the shooting and was subsequently taken into custody by officers from the Savannah Police Department. He faces charges of murder and aggravated assault. Records indicate that Linn served in the U.S. Army for eight years, from August 2015 to October 2023, and was stationed at Hunter Army Airfield as an unmanned aircraft systems repairer. He held the rank of Specialist at the time of his discharge and had no record of overseas deployments. Linn is currently being held at the Chatham County Jail.
A Broader Look at Recent Incidents
This incident in Savannah echoes a troubling pattern of violence that has sometimes erupted in public spaces across the State-level of Georgia and beyond. While each event holds its own distinct sorrow, the frequency with which minor disputes escalate to tragic ends, particularly in the seemingly mundane settings of parking lots, invites a quiet reflection on the common threads of human interaction and restraint. Recent years have seen other instances of violence in parking areas, from a man shot and killed over a parking spot at another Georgia Target location in 2025, to a rideshare driver being shot in northeast Atlanta, and prior incidents involving arguments at fast-food establishments and convenience stores across the State-level, where disagreements have taken a deadly turn. These events, though varied in their particulars, collectively underscore the profound human cost when patience wanes and conflict sharpens, leaving behind a wake of grief and unanswered questions for families and communities alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened in the south Georgia Target parking lot?
- A deadly shooting occurred in the parking lot of a Target store in Savannah, Georgia, on Sunday afternoon, January 4, 2026, after an argument over a parking space escalated.
- Who was the victim in the shooting?
- The victim was identified as Matthew Traywick, a 30-year-old father.
- Who was arrested in connection with the shooting?
- Tyler Linn, 30, was arrested at the scene and charged with murder and aggravated assault.
- When did the shooting occur?
- The shooting happened around 4:10 p.m. on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
- Where exactly did the incident take place?
- The incident took place in the parking lot of the Target store on Abercorn Street in Savannah, Georgia.
- What were the charges against the suspect?
- Tyler Linn has been charged with murder and aggravated assault.
Key Details of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Sunday, January 4, 2026 |
| Time of Incident | Approximately 4:10 p.m. |
| Location | Target parking lot, Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia |
| Nature of Incident | Deadly shooting following an argument over a parking space |
| Victim’s Name | Matthew Traywick |
| Victim’s Age | 30 years old |
| Suspect’s Name | Tyler Linn |
| Suspect’s Age | 30 years old |
| Charges | Murder, Aggravated Assault |
| Suspect’s Status | Arrested at the scene, held at Chatham County Jail |
| Suspect’s Background | Former U.S. Army Specialist (August 2015 – October 2023) |
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
