LAKELAND, Ga. (WALB) - A South Georgia family is finally getting closure, almost three years after a young father was shot to death while driving home.

On June 18, 2022, a 911 call reported people shot on Hwy 221 North near Lanier County.

19-year-old Savion McRae was pronounced dead at the scene. He left behind a family determined to get justice.

“Our family will never celebrate another holiday another birthday another milestone with him. We live with an open wound that will never fully heal.” Ziannia Odom, McRae’s sister said.

“And we are forced to endure a lifetime of grief because of the action of others and what hurts the most is knowing that while the person is responsible for this crime still has the opportunity to talk to their loved ones. See their family and maybe even hold their children. We will never have that chance again.”

Three men were charged with felony murder and four counts of aggravated assault in connection to the shooting. During the trial, Campbell testified that Rodarius “Rod” Swanson and Travion Snell aided him in the crime but had no known problem with McRae.

“To my mind that makes their crimes all the worse, because they had no reason to do this. According to their arguments in trial, they had no reason to commit this crime, but they chose to do it anyway,” Laura Anderson Wood, State of Georgia District Attorney’s Office said.

Swanson and Snell were sentenced to life without parole plus 60 years.

Campbell pleaded guilty and received a 20-year sentence.

“Even though we got justice served, Savion is still gone. You know we are still missing a part of us, and he is not here but we are glad justice was served.”

For almost three years, the McRae family has been fighting for justice, using Savion’s death to bring awareness to the senseless acts of gun violence in the community.

Odom said, “We’re grateful, we’re thankful for everybody that’s been with us every step of the way. It’s strength and unity”

Swanson’s lawyer filed a motion for a new trial, at this time Snell’s lawyer has not filed for a new trial.

The McRae family says they are thankful for today’s outcome.

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