An 18-year-old Birmingham man has been charged in connection with the tragic shooting death of 22-year-old Xavier “Zay” Colvert, a bright mechanical engineering student whose life was cut short in what authorities believe was a robbery setup. The arrest has sent shockwaves through the community, as friends and family mourn the loss of a young man described as kind, ambitious, and full of potential.
Jeremy Dewayne Thomas was taken into custody on Thursday and formally charged with capital murder. He is currently being held without bond at the Jefferson County Jail. The arrest came after a swift investigation by Birmingham police, who identified Thomas as the suspect in Colvert’s killing. While authorities have not yet revealed the specific evidence that led them to Thomas, they confirmed that officers from the department’s Crime Reduction Team located him at a residence in west Birmingham. After a brief foot chase, Thomas was apprehended without further incident.
The shooting occurred late Friday night in the 1400 block of 57th Street in Ensley. Police responded to reports of gunfire around 11:45 p.m. and arrived to find Colvert unresponsive inside his white pickup truck. At least six shell casings were found near the passenger door, suggesting multiple shots were fired. Despite the efforts of Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service, Colvert was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:38 a.m. on Saturday.
Colvert’s death has left his family and community devastated. He was the son of former Jefferson County Constable Robert Colvert III, who himself survived a 2018 shootout at his body shop in Woodlawn. The younger Colvert was pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering and was known for his hard work and dedication. Friends describe him as someone who always had a smile on his face and a willingness to help others.
“Zay was the kind of person who lit up a room,” said one close friend. “He had so much ahead of him, and it’s heartbreaking to see his life taken so senselessly.”
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with authorities working to piece together the events that led to Colvert’s death. While details remain scarce, police believe the incident was a robbery attempt that turned deadly. The community is now grappling with the loss of a young man who represented hope and promise, and many are calling for justice.
“This is a tragedy that should never have happened,” said a local community leader. “We need to come together to support Zay’s family and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”
As the case moves forward, Colvert’s family is left to mourn a life taken too soon. They remember him not only as a talented student but as a loving son, brother, and friend. A memorial service is being planned to honor his memory, and a GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family with funeral expenses.
The arrest of Jeremy Dewayne Thomas marks a significant step in the pursuit of justice for Xavier Colvert. However, for those who knew and loved him, the pain of his loss will linger. His story serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence and the importance of community solidarity in the face of tragedy.
As Birmingham mourns, the memory of Zay Colvert will live on—a young man whose potential was limitless and whose life was tragically cut short.