In Session: Former St. Andrew's student indicted for vehicular homicide in death of classmate
This column is part of a weekly round-up of notable grand jury indictments and court decisions, following through on cases reported by Savannah Morning News public safety reporter Drew Favakeh. If there are cases you're curious about, email Drew at AFavakeh@Gannett.com.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to revise the charges in the indictment of Anthony Bourke Kusilka.
Indictment in Ethan Bland death
On April 3, a Chatham County grand jury indicted Anthony Bourke Kusilka for homicide by vehicle in the first degree, homicide by vehicle in the second degree, reckless driving, serious injury by vehicle, and too fast for conditions.
Prosecutors charge that Kusilka caused the death of Bland, 18, on May 15, 2022, just days before their graduation, when driving a Hyundai Santa Fe on Grimball Road. Bland was riding in the cargo compartment, unrestrained by a seat belt, with the back hatch of the vehicle open, when Kusilka suddenly accelerated, according to the indictment.
As previously reported by the Savannah Morning New, sBland was a standout goalkeeper on the St. Andrew’s soccer team that advanced to the GISA state semifinals, earning GISA all-state honors. He played basketball for his first three years at St. Andrew's. He also was a running back and linebacker for the football team, earning team captain honors. Kusilka was one of his teammates.
No hearings are scheduled yet in the case.
Indictment in hit-and-run case
On April 3, a Chatham County grand jury indicted Nieosheia Conner for malice murder, three counts of felony murder, hit and run, aggravated assault, and serious injury by vehicle. On Feb. 21, according to the indictment, Conner hit Montanya Slusher with a vehicle.
As previously reported by the Savannah Morning News, Savannah Police (SPD) responded to a report of a hit-and-run accident at around 3:15 a.m., said SPD spokesman Neil Penttila. Once on the scene, officers found a woman with serious injuries near the intersection of Congress and Whitaker streets. She was transported to Memorial Health University Medical Center, where she later died.
Police later apprehended Conner, who allegedly fled the scene, according to Penttila. Conner, 35, was charged with murder.
A bond hearing in the case is scheduled for April 18.
Drew Favakeh is the public safety and courts reporter for Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at AFavakeh@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: chatham county ga court updates for week of April 12 2024
