2 Men Charged With Capital Murder in Tuesday Killing

Two men have been charged with capital murder in the wake of a shooting that claimed the life of a 16-year-old Tuscaloosa boy late Tuesday night.

Jack Kennedy, the commander of the multi-agency Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, said investigators believe 22-yearold Hasjon Griffin and 17-year-old Johnneius Wilson are responsible for the killing of Xzorian Gray.

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Gray and another victim were shot at the intersection of Fosters Ferry Road and 21st Street Tuesday night, although the VCU has not released the full details of how the incident unfolded.

Gray, 16, succumbed to his injuries at DCH Regional Medical Center later that night.

Alabama law says any killing committed while the victim is in a vehicle is considered capital murder, so Griffin and Wilson were both charged with one count each of attempted murder and capital murder.

They will be held in the Tuscaloosa County Jail without bond. If convicted, the only possible sentencing outcomes are life in prison without parole or the death penalty.

Kennedy also noted that Wilson was out on bond at the time of Gray's death after he was charged with a different murder in June 2020.

In that case, two people were seriously injured and 33-year-old Jeffrey Charles was killed after a fight at a party in Tuscaloosa ended in gunfire.

Kennedy said the investigation into Gray's Tuesday night murder is still ongoing and other persons of interest are actively being sought by the VCU.

Anyone who witnessed the shooting or has any information concerning any of the suspects or victims is asked to contact the Violent Crimes Unit at (205) 464-8690.

Stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread for more details as they become available.