In the late spring of 2017, the community of Brundidge, Alabama, was shaken by the violent death of a young man. Xavier Thomas, a 22-year-old Black/African American male, was fatally shot on Saturday, May 27, 2017. The incident occurred outside the Brundidge Retirement Center on Walding Circle. Thomas was a passenger in a vehicle when an assailant, or assailants, opened fire, ending his life.
The investigation into the homicide led authorities to identify multiple suspects. One of the first to be apprehended was 25-year-old Demarcus Flowers, who was arrested in Colorado by the United States Marshal's Service. Following this arrest, two other individuals sought in connection with the murder turned themselves in to law enforcement. Jacory Townsend, who was wanted for murder, and Trista Townsend, who was wanted for questioning, surrendered to authorities without incident. Their decision to turn themselves in reportedly came after seeing news reports about Flowers' arrest.
A celebration of Xavier Thomas's life was held on Saturday, June 10, 2017, at Pike County High School Gymnasium, with a visitation for family and friends taking place the day before. The services were handled by George F. Grubbs Funeral Home.
