BIRMINGHAM, AL — Authorities have charged Jeremy Dewayne Thomas, an 18-year-old from Birmingham, Alabama, with capital murder in connection with the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Xavier “Zay” Colvert, a promising mechanical engineering student who was ambushed and killed in an apparent robbery setup.
Colvert, known for his academic achievements and bright future, was found fatally shot inside his white pickup truck late Friday night in Ensley, a neighborhood in western Birmingham. Investigators believe that Colvert may have been lured to the location under false pretenses before being gunned down in cold blood.
Thomas was arrested on Thursday after officers with Birmingham’s Crime Reduction Team tracked him to a residence in west Birmingham. Following a brief foot chase, he was apprehended without further incident and booked into the Jefferson County Jail just before 5 p.m. He is currently being held without bond, facing one count of capital murder.
As the community reels from the tragic and senseless loss, authorities continue to piece together the exact events that led to Colvert’s untimely death.
A Bright Future Cut Short: Who Was Xavier ‘Zay’ Colvert?
Xavier “Zay” Colvert, 22, was a hardworking and ambitious young man who had dedicated his life to pursuing a career in mechanical engineering. A graduate of P.D. Jackson-Olin High School, Colvert was known for his intellect, kindness, and strong work ethic.
He had recently completed an internship with a prominent Birmingham engineering firm and was in the final stages of his degree program, with aspirations of working in the automotive or aerospace industry.
“Zay was more than just a student—he was a leader,” said Dr. Marcus Henderson, one of Colvert’s former professors. “He had an incredible mind, and he always found ways to help others in his program. This is an unimaginable loss.”
Beyond his academic achievements, Colvert was also a devoted son, brother, and friend. His father, Robert Colvert III, is a former Jefferson County Constable and himself a survivor of gun violence, having been shot during a 2018 shootout at his body shop in Woodlawn.
The loss of Xavier Colvert has devastated his family, who are now demanding justice for their son’s senseless killing.
“We lost a bright light in our family. Zay had so much potential, and he didn’t deserve this,” said his mother, Angela Colvert, in an emotional statement. “We just want answers. We want to know why this happened.”
The Night of the Murder: What Happened in Ensley?
According to Birmingham police, officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 1400 block of 57th Street in Ensley at approximately 11:45 p.m. on Friday.
When first responders arrived, they discovered Colvert slumped over in the driver’s seat of his white pickup truck, unresponsive, with multiple gunshot wounds.
- At least six shell casings were found near the truck’s passenger door, suggesting that Colvert was shot at close range.
- Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service arrived at the scene and pronounced Colvert dead at 12:38 a.m. Saturday.
- Investigators believe that Colvert was set up for a robbery, though details about what was stolen have not yet been disclosed.
Detectives are still working to determine whether Thomas acted alone or if other individuals were involved in planning the attack.
“This was a targeted act of violence,” said Sgt. LaQuitta Wade of the Birmingham Police Department. “We are investigating all angles, and we are committed to bringing justice to Xavier and his family.”
The Arrest of Jeremy Dewayne Thomas
After a weekend-long investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Jeremy Dewayne Thomas as the primary suspect in Colvert’s murder.
Birmingham’s Crime Reduction Team tracked Thomas to a residence in west Birmingham on Thursday afternoon.
- When officers arrived, Thomas attempted to flee on foot, prompting a brief chase through the neighborhood.
- He was quickly apprehended without further incident and taken into custody.
- Thomas was booked into the Jefferson County Jail at 4:56 p.m. Thursday and charged with capital murder.
Because capital murder is a charge that carries the possibility of life without parole or the death penalty, Thomas is being held without bond as he awaits his first court appearance.
Authorities have not yet released details on what led them to identify Thomas as the suspect, though they are continuing to investigate whether others were involved in the setup and killing of Colvert.
The Community Reacts: Outrage Over the Loss of a Promising Young Life
The murder of Xavier Colvert has left the Birmingham community in shock, with many mourning the loss of a young man who was on the path to success.
Local leaders, educators, and community members have expressed anger and sorrow over the senseless violence that cut Colvert’s life short.
“This was a young Black man who was doing everything right,” said local activist Erica Thomas, who is organizing a vigil in Colvert’s honor. “He was focused on his education, on his career. He wasn’t in the streets. He wasn’t in trouble. He was making his family proud. And now, he’s gone because of violence.”
Many in the community are also calling for stronger action against gun violence, particularly in areas where young men like Colvert should feel safe pursuing their dreams.
- Birmingham has seen a disturbing rise in violent crimes, with homicide rates surging over the last two years.
- Many believe that preventative measures, including youth mentorship programs and conflict resolution initiatives, could help reduce violence in the city.
What Happens Next?
- Jeremy Dewayne Thomas remains in custody at the Jefferson County Jail, awaiting his first court appearance.
- Investigators are continuing to determine whether additional suspects were involved in Colvert’s murder.
- An autopsy report is pending, which will confirm the exact cause of Colvert’s death.
- A vigil for Colvert is planned for Sunday night, where friends, family, and community members will gather to honor his life and demand justice.
A Family’s Plea for Justice
As the investigation continues, Colvert’s family is urging the public to come forward with any information that could help bring closure to the case.
“We just want justice for our son,” said his father, Robert Colvert III. “If anyone knows anything, please speak up. Don’t let his death be in vain.”
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Birmingham Police Department at (205) 254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at (205) 254-7777.
Leave a Reply