In the vibrant city of Atlanta, Righteous TK “Chevy” Hill, a 35-year-old Black transgender man, was a beacon of hope and a pillar of the LGBTQ+ community. As the founder and owner of Evollusion, a hairstyling and beauty salon, he cultivated a much-needed safe haven for Black, LGBTQIA+ residents. His salon offered an alternative to the sometimes homophobic culture of traditional barbershops, providing a space where people could feel affirmed and stylish.
Known affectionately as Chevy or TK, he was a beloved son, partner of six years to Terri Wilson, and a father to a teenage son. His mission was to help others shine, a mission that was tragically cut short.
On the evening of February 28, 2024, at his home in East Point, a suburb of Atlanta, a verbal altercation escalated into senseless violence. Hill was shot multiple times in the front entryway of his residence. He was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital but succumbed to his injuries the following day. The argument that preceded the shooting reportedly involved his cousin, Jaylen Hill. The dispute was not over his gender identity, but rather stemmed from what his mother described as his cousin's sense of entitlement and disrespect after borrowing a vehicle.
In the wake of the shooting, the community mourned the devastating loss of a man who had dedicated himself to creating a positive impact. For over seven months, the suspect in his killing remained at large, leaving his family and friends anxiously awaiting justice. Police in Georgia had identified his cousin, Jaylen Hill, as the suspect but had been unable to locate him. The search finally came to an end on October 2, 2024, when Jaylen Hill was arrested and booked into the Fulton County Jail. He faces multiple charges, including two counts of murder, one count of aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, bringing a measure of relief to those who cherished Righteous TK 'Chevy' Hill.
