Xzavion Lawton, a 16-year-old African American male, was tragically gunned down on Halloween night, October 31, 2022, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Lawton, a junior at Millbrook High School, was out trick-or-treating with two friends when the incident occurred. The shooting took place shortly before 9:15 p.m. in the 2700 block of Sumner Boulevard, across from the Northridge Crossings apartment complex. Lawton was shot in the chest and succumbed to his injuries at WakeMed hospital.
The other two teens with him were also injured, one seriously and the other with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Raleigh Police Department has been investigating the case and has made an arrest. A male juvenile suspect was taken into custody in connection with the shooting. Due to the suspect's age, his identity has not been released. The police have not disclosed further details about the shooting, citing North Carolina law that prohibits the release of information that could identify a juvenile.
Lawton's family and friends have been mourning his loss and remembering him as a well-loved and confident young man. His grandmother, Consuela Perry, mentioned that Lawton, affectionately known as "Boonchie," had no enemies and was a person who made friends easily. His aunt, Latonia Killebrew, recalled his shy yet confident demeanor and his standout smile. The family has been urging the community to put away guns and stop the violence that is taking the lives of young people.
The investigation into Xzavion Lawton's death is ongoing, and the Raleigh Police Department has asked anyone with information to come forward. The community continues to grapple with the loss of a promising young life and the impact of gun violence on their streets.
