A young father-of-three was fatally shot outside a Target store in Georgia on Sunday following a reported argument over a parking space, in a killing that has shocked the local community.
A Fatal Altercation in Broad Daylight
Matthew Traywick, aged 33, was gunned down just after 4pm on Sunday in the car park of a Target store in Savannah. Emergency services rushed to the scene and found Traywick suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Tyler Linn, 30. According to police reports, Linn remained at the location following the shocking altercation. He was subsequently arrested and now faces felony charges of murder and aggravated assault. Linn is currently being held in custody at the Chatham County Jail as the investigation continues.
A Community Mourns a Devoted Father
The victim, Matthew Traywick, was a married father to three children. His employer, Vaden Automotive, paid tribute to him, describing Traywick as a 'valued member' of their family. The company had honoured him last Father's Day with a post that read: 'From guiding customers to guiding kids, Matt Traywick brings heart and wisdom to everything he does.'
A poignant company video featured Traywick speaking about fatherhood, where he said his favourite part of having children was coming home to see them waiting for him. His death has left his wife, Micayla, and their three children facing immense emotional and financial hardship, as Traywick was the family's sole provider.
In response, the community has rallied to support the grieving family through a GoFundMe fundraiser. The page states that Micayla, a devoted mother, now needs 'the support of her community more than ever.'
Military Backgrounds and Calls to End Violence
It remains unclear whether the two men were previously acquainted. However, both had military backgrounds. Matthew Traywick served in the US Army from 2015 to 2023, working as an unmanned aircraft systems repairer at a Savannah airfield. Social media profiles linked to Tyler Linn also show images of him in military uniform from 2020 and 2021.
The senseless violence has prompted a strong response from local leaders. Savannah Mayor Van Johnson issued a statement condemning the killing and calling for an end to gun violence. 'No disagreement over a parking space, or anything else should ever end in the loss of life,' Mayor Johnson said. He emphasised the 'urgency of our collective work to reduce gun violence and strengthen community safety.'
The Savannah Police Department has stated that the investigation is ongoing and has asked anyone with relevant information to come forward. Tyler Linn has not yet entered a plea to the charges against him.
