Popular art gallery owner shot, killed

Already with a spiraling homicide rate, Savannah suffered another killing when a popular art gallery owner was fatally shot, according to a media report.

Kevin Reid, 54, who owned The Australian Aboriginal Art Gallery, was the victim of an apparent robbery attempt, the Savannah Morning News reported. He was on a walk with his wife Wednesday night when the incident happened.

News of Reid’s death shocked downtown business leaders, according to the report.

“Kevin owned The Australian Aboriginal Art Gallery, was an engaged member of the TLC, a proud citizen of Savannah, and a highly regarded member of our tourism family. We are all deeply saddened by this loss and our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and family,” Michael Owens, president of the Tourism Leadership Council, said Thursday.

Reid, a native of Australia, was Savannah’s 42nd slaying victim this year, compared with 29 at this time last year, the paper reported.