In the late hours of a Tuesday in Onley, Virginia, the life of 30-year-old David Anthony McCain was tragically cut short. On June 15, 2021, deputies from the Accomack County Sheriff's Office responded to a call around 11:11 p.m. reporting an assault and a man in cardiac arrest at the Royal Farms convenience store. Upon their arrival, they discovered McCain unresponsive in his vehicle in the parking lot. Despite any efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
His body was then transported to the Norfolk Medical Examiner's Office to determine the official cause of his death.
The investigation into McCain's death swiftly led to a suspect. Authorities identified 19-year-old Xzaviyor Snead of Painter, Virginia, as the individual responsible for McCain's demise. Warrants were issued for Snead's arrest on charges of first-degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He was subsequently taken into custody and held without bond at the Accomack County Jail. The investigation continued with assistance from the Eastern Shore Drug Task Force and the Virginia State Police.
The case against Xzaviyor Snead proceeded to trial in Accomack Circuit Court. The evidence presented painted a grim picture of the events that transpired in the Royal Farms parking lot. According to the prosecution, which was supported by video footage and witness testimony, Snead approached McCain's vehicle and shot him twice in the head at close range. Gunpowder residue found on Snead's hands further solidified the case against him. Despite the defense's arguments questioning the clarity of the video evidence and the credibility of the witnesses, the jury was convinced of Snead's guilt.
In November 2023, a jury found Xzaviyor Snead guilty of first-degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a crime. The Commonwealth's Attorney described the act as 'horrific' and 'brazen.' Subsequently, Snead was sentenced to 35 years in prison, receiving 30 years for the murder and an additional five for the firearm charge. Throughout the proceedings, Snead maintained his innocence and indicated his intention to appeal the conviction.
