Gavin Jerome Havis

Gavin Jerome Havis, a talented and cherished 25-year-old father, was a man of deep faith and musical ability. Born on November 16, 1995, Gavin accepted Christ at a young age and served as a church musician at World Changers of Childersburg, Alabama. His passion for music was evident early on as a member of the Childersburg Marching Tiger Band. Educated in the Shelby and Talladega County school systems, Gavin also had an athletic side, playing on the football team during his time at Thompson High School. He was a beloved son to his mother, Overseer Debbie L. Wright, and his father, Timothy Havis. Above all, he was a loving father to his own son, Legend Y. Havis. His family remembers him for the love he shared with them, a love that remains a cherished memory.

The final hours of Gavin’s life unfolded on the night of Friday, September 24, 2021, in his hometown of Sylacauga. Just before midnight, the Sylacauga Police Department received calls reporting an argument and the sound of gunshots at The Landings apartment complex on James Payton Boulevard, where Gavin lived. When officers arrived at the scene, they found a harrowing sight in the parking lot: a woman holding Gavin, who had been shot multiple times. Despite his grave injuries, he was conscious and able to speak with the responding officers. In a crucial last act, Gavin identified the person he said had shot him.

Emergency medical services prepared him for transport, and a Life Saver helicopter flew him to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital for urgent care. Tragically, despite the efforts of medical staff, Gavin Jerome Havis succumbed to his injuries and passed away a short time later on September 25, 2021. His death was officially ruled a homicide, leaving his family and community in mourning.

The investigation into Gavin’s murder was handled by the Sylacauga Police Department. The information Gavin provided before he lost consciousness proved vital to their case. The day after Gavin’s death, on Sunday, September 26, the man he had named as the shooter, 23-year-old Jaylon Montrell Shepherd McKinzie of Childersburg, arrived at police headquarters. Accompanied by his attorney, McKinzie began cooperating with investigators. Police confirmed that the suspect’s attorney also turned over evidence related to the case.

In the immediate aftermath, authorities announced that charges against McKinzie were pending while they processed the evidence and continued their investigation. The Sylacauga Police Department encouraged anyone with further information to come forward, providing contact numbers for their Investigations Division at 256-401-2464 and an anonymous tip line at 256-249-4716. As of late September 2021, the case was proceeding with the cooperation of the identified suspect.

Family and friends gathered to celebrate Gavin’s life and lay him to rest. A visitation was held on October 1, 2021, at Community Funeral Home, followed by a Celebration of Life service on October 2 at Liberty Christian Church in Harpersville. He was buried at Lilly Rhoden Cemetery in Childersburg. Gavin was preceded in death by his stepfather, James F. Wright, and his brother, Jacaylon M. Crawford. He is remembered and deeply missed by his parents, his son, his sister, his loving grandmothers, and a host of other relatives and friends who continue to cherish his memory.