Xaevion Thornton, a 15-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on November 29, 2021, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Xaevion, a student at Westover High School, was shot in the chest in the parking lot of the Glen Reilly Village Center on Glenn Reilly Road. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. when Xaevion was walking with friends to a nearby store.
The shooting did not appear to be random, and another individual, whose name was not released, arrived at Cape Fear Valley Hospital with gunshot wounds within hours of Xaevion's shooting, claiming to have been shot in the same parking lot. Authorities are investigating whether the shooting victims knew each other.
Xaevion's mother, Angela Canada, remembered her son for his joyful personality and sense of humor. She described him as one of the most cheerful people she knew, always trying to make others smile. Xaevion's sister, Ta'Liah Thornton, recalled her brother as her best friend, with whom she shared a close bond. A small memorial with flowers and a teddy bear was set up at the site where Xaevion was shot and killed.
The Fayetteville Police Department responded to the scene after receiving a report of gunshots. Upon arrival, they found Xaevion with a gunshot wound to the chest, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The police are actively investigating the case and have urged anyone with information to contact Detective J. Arnold or Crime Stoppers. The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests or suspects have been publicly announced at this time. The community mourns the loss of Xaevion Thornton, a young life taken too soon.
