State Supreme Court Upholds Murder Conviction of Elbert Co Woman

Earlier this month, the Georgia Supreme Court upheld the convictions and sentence of an Elbert County woman who, along with two co-defendants, murdered her step-grandfather in 2018.

Savanna Jennings, along with William Peterson, and Dakota Street were charged with Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a felony, two counts of aggravated assault, and Concealing the Death of Another in the shooting death of 86-year old Elbert County resident Otha Perrin, Sr.

After killing Perin, his body was found dumped in a pond.

Jennings was convicted on all counts and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for malice murder followed by five years in prison consecutive for possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and ten years in prison consecutive for concealing the death of another.

Her two co-defendants, Peterson and Street pleaded guilty prior to trial and testified as witnesses against her for the State.

In her appeal, Jennings’ attorney argued her boyfriend Peterson actually committed the murder and that her trial counsel in 2019 provided constitutionally ineffective assistance.

However, after reviewing the evidence presented, the Supreme Court upheld her conviction and her sentence.

Northern Judicial District Attorney Parks White credited Chief Assistant District Attorney Jeff Lee’s help in successfully trying the case before an Elbert County jury, who swiftly returned a guilty verdict against Ms. Jennings.

White said Chief ADA Lee handled the appeal for the State, and thanks to his efforts, Jennings’ conviction is now final.