In the summer of 2019, the community of Twin Lakes, Alabama, was shaken by the violent death of 21-year-old George Ralph 'Trey' Leverette III. On the night of July 29th, the Mobile County Sheriff's Office responded to a call of shots fired near the intersection of Indian Springs Drive and Hiawatha Court in the nearby area of Eight Mile. Upon their arrival, they discovered the body of the young, white male lying face down outside of a silver Toyota Celica.
It was apparent he had been shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators believed that Leverette, after being shot, had attempted to exit his vehicle to get help.
The investigation into the homicide led authorities to believe the incident was the result of a drug-related transaction gone awry. Within a month, the investigation pointed to two individuals. The first suspect, 25-year-old Dougasian McGrew, was arrested and faced a slew of charges, including murder. It was revealed that McGrew and Leverette were acquainted, and that McGrew had allegedly made threats against Leverette just hours before the fatal shooting. McGrew entered a plea of not guilty to the charges brought against him.
Further investigative work led to a second arrest on August 28, 2019. Following the execution of a search warrant at his residence, 24-year-old Khristian Gibbs was taken into custody and charged with Leverette's murder. Initially, Gibbs also maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty. However, in a turn of events, on December 4, 2023, Khristian Gibbs withdrew his initial plea and entered a guilty plea to the charge of felony murder. As a result, he was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison for his role in the death of George Ralph Leverette III.
Remembered as a devoted family member with a contagious smile and a loving heart, 'Trey' Leverette was a lifelong resident of Mobile and a 2016 graduate of Mary G. Montgomery High School. His family and friends described him as someone who could brighten any room he entered. A memorial service to celebrate his life was held on August 2, 2019, at Ascension Funeral Home in Mobile.
