E'Zavian Dwight Stanley, affectionately known as Zay, was a 25-year-old African American man from Houston, Texas. He was an energetic, playful, humorous, lively, fashionable, and loving young man who valued family and long-lasting friendships. E'Zavian graduated from Andy Dekaney High School in Houston, Texas, in June 2012 and later attended Tulsa Welding School & Technology Center, where he graduated with a major in welding in November 2015.
He worked as a welder and an order selector.
On the night of April 30, 2018, E'Zavian was one of two men killed in a shooting at an illegal gambling operation inside a warehouse off the North Freeway near W. Little York in Houston. The incident occurred just before 2 a.m., and authorities believe the double homicide was connected to two separate robberies that took place that night. The other victim was a 30-year-old man whose name has not been released.
Houston police spent the morning gathering evidence at the scene and investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. They found dice inside the warehouse and believe robbery was the motive for the crime. Police have a vague description of three suspects and are combing through nearby surveillance video in hopes of identifying them. Investigators believe the shooters could be under the age of 20.
The investigation into E'Zavian's death is ongoing, and homicide detectives are working to determine the full details of the incident and identify those responsible. The family of E'Zavian Stanley expressed their shock and grief, stating they had no idea he was at the warehouse that night and are still trying to understand what happened.
E'Zavian leaves behind many loved ones, including his son, Zayden Stanley, two brothers, Nathaniel and Edward Jr., two sisters, Na'shari and Destani, and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. His memory is cherished by all who knew him.
