Braylon William Shepherd was an 18-year-old Black man from Lansing, Michigan, who was a loyal son, a cherished brother, and a doting father to his young daughter, S’anyla. Known affectionately as “B” by friends and “Unky” by his niece, Braylon was an enthusiastic football and basketball player in his younger years. He was a dedicated employee at Dakkota in Lansing and found simple joy in driving his Malibu.
His family was his universe, and he was remembered for his legacy of love and dedication.
Late on the night of Thursday, November 7, 2024, Braylon’s life was cut short. At around 11:45 p.m., Lansing Police Department officers were dispatched to the 600 block of Sadie Court for reports of a shooting. According to court documents, Braylon had gone to a residence there because he believed the mother of his child was with another man. He saw the woman get out of a vehicle belonging to Xavian Soto and into her own car. Braylon blocked her vehicle, ran to her door, and assaulted her. As Braylon was returning to his car, Soto exited his own vehicle with a gun and fired numerous shots into the passenger side of Braylon's car, striking him in the head. Braylon’s vehicle then accelerated and crashed into several other cars in the parking lot. First responders found him with a gunshot wound and transported him to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.
The investigation into the homicide was a joint effort between the Lansing Police Department and the Michigan State Police. Investigators used surveillance camera footage from the residence, cell phone pings, and a search warrant to quickly identify and locate a suspect. Their work led them to Albion in Calhoun County, where they arrested 19-year-old Xavian Soto of Jackson less than 24 hours after the fatal shooting.
The Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office charged Soto with open murder, carrying a concealed weapon, and a felony firearm charge. At his arraignment, Soto pleaded not guilty and was denied bond while awaiting further court proceedings. In a statement, the prosecutor called Braylon’s death a "senseless and tragic loss of life."
Following the legal proceedings, the case was resolved. In January 2026, Xavian Soto was sentenced to a minimum of 22 years in prison for his role in Braylon Shepherd's death. The sentence included two years for a felony firearm conviction.
