Jy’Kavien D. Wright, an 18-year-old African American and recent Talladega High School graduate, was found dead the morning of May 31, 2026. Officers were sent to the 600 block of McAlpine Street at about 2:24 a.m. after a report of a gunshot victim and discovered Wright unresponsive on a sidewalk with a single gunshot wound to the head. Police and paramedics attempted life-saving measures, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Talladega Police have opened a homicide investigation and are working with crime scene technicians from the Jacksonville State University Center for Applied Forensics. Wright’s body was taken to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for autopsy. He had been captain of his high school basketball team and planned to attend Gadsden State Community College and try out for their team.

Authorities have not identified any suspects or a motive. CrimeStoppers is offering a reward that was raised to $2,000 after a contribution from the city councilman for the ward where the shooting occurred. If anyone has information that could help identify who was responsible, please contact law enforcement.