In the early morning hours of Sunday, November 14, 2021, a burst of gunfire shattered the peace at a Z-Tech convenience store on U.S. Highway 231 in Troy, Alabama. When the violence subsided, one man, 27-year-old Zacharias Devonta McClendon of Clio, lay dead at the scene. The male victim was one of six people struck by bullets during the incident.
Troy Police officers responded to a call about the shooting at approximately 2:30 a.m. Upon their arrival, they discovered McClendon and two other individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. While medical aid was rendered at the scene, McClendon succumbed to his injuries. The other two victims found by police were transported to a hospital in Montgomery for treatment. Authorities later learned that three additional victims had been taken to Troy Regional Medical Center by private vehicles with non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators at the time noted that it did not appear the individuals involved in the shooting were residents of Troy or students at Troy University.
For nearly three years, the investigation into McClendon's death continued. Then, on November 5, 2024, authorities announced a significant development in the case with the arrests of two suspects from Phenix City. Zy'kayedria Ka'shay Thompkins, 23, and Jahunter Imorriss Johnson, 22, were taken into custody.
Both Thompkins and Johnson are facing charges of murder for the death of Zacharias McClendon and attempted murder for the injuries sustained by the other five victims. Following their arrests in Phenix City, the two suspects were processed at the Troy City Jail before being transferred to the Pike County Jail, where they are being held awaiting bond. The Troy Police Department acknowledged the assistance of multiple agencies in the lengthy investigation that led to the arrests.
