Xzavian Bernard Graves, a 17-year-old African American male from Greensboro, North Carolina, tragically lost his life on May 6, 2021. His body was discovered on the property of the Armfield Civic Center in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina. The discovery was made by lawn care workers who immediately notified the school resource officer at East Surry High School, located directly across from the Civic Center. Upon arrival, law enforcement officials found Xzavian deceased from an apparent gunshot wound. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation was called in to assist with the investigation, which was quickly determined to be a homicide.
The investigation led to the arrest of three teenagers the following day. Darrin Isaac Lusk, a 17-year-old male from King, North Carolina; Katelyn Susanne Meyer, a 16-year-old female from Mount Airy, North Carolina; and Trei Alan Hiatt, a 16-year-old male from Mount Airy, North Carolina, were all charged in connection with Xzavian's death. The charges against them included first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and kidnapping. The Surry County Sheriff's Office announced that all three suspects would be tried as adults. They were subsequently held at a juvenile detention facility without bond.
Xzavian Bernard Graves was remembered as a loving and warm-hearted individual who had a gravitating personality. He was a senior at Northeast High School and was set to graduate in June 2021. He worked at Burger King in Whitsett, where he was described as an extremely dedicated and hard worker. Xzavian was known for his artistic skills, love for rap music, and passion for basketball, swimming, and football. His untimely death left a void in the lives of his family, friends, and community members who cherished his memory.
The legal proceedings against the three teenagers charged with Xzavian's murder are ongoing. The case has drawn significant attention due to the ages of both the victim and the suspects, as well as the nature of the charges. The community continues to mourn the loss of Xzavian Bernard Graves while seeking justice for his tragic death.
