Protesters in West Savannah. Photo: Emily Jones

Residents of West Savannah continue to hold nightly protest marches this weekend in the wake of Thursday's officer-involved killing of a black man in police custody.

Holding fists in the air, and signs reading “Justice 4 Mr. D,” protesters marched from the site of the fatal shooting of 29-year old Charles Smith to the Lathrop Ave. police substation around the corner. “Mr. D” was Smith’s nickname among family and friends.

The marchers chanting “the people united will never be defeated” and “no justice, no peace” continue to look for answers surrounding the circumstances of Smith's death.

The marchers are calling for transparency and justice in the investigation being conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. According to the GBI’s initial report, Smith was shot while handcuffed after police say he kicked out the window of a patrol car and tried to escape.

The officer involved, David Jannot, is on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Savannah leaders, including Mayor Edna Jackson, Police Chief Julie Tolbert and Alderman Van Johnson, are pledging to provide the public with details of the investigation when they become available. In the meantime, they are urging patience and calm.

Francys Johnson, president of the Georgia Chapter of the NAACP and Alicia Blakely of National Action Network’s Savannah chapter, who have led the demonstrations, say they are committed to getting answers and keeping the protests peaceful.

The dead man's mother, Penny Nelson, told reporters Saturday she is also waiting for information from investigators. She plans to call the GBI with her questions Monday.

The GBI has not released any additional information since announcing its initial findings Thursday.

An autopsy was scheduled Friday on Smith's body, but details haven't been made public.

Tags: Charles Smith, Savannah, west savannah, Police Shooting, scmpd, NAACP, naional action network