The Sylacauga Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred on Friday at 11:50 p.m. at The Landings apartment complex on James Payton Blvd.
The Sylacauga Police Department responded to a call of an argument and shots being fired in the apartment complex. When officers arrived on the scene, a female in the parking lot was found holding a male victim that had been shot multiple times. The victim, 25-year-old Gavin Jerome Havis, of Sylacauga, was a resident of the apartment complex. Officers spoke to the victim and were able to get the name of the person that shot him.
Havis was transported to UAB on helicopter where he was later pronounced dead.
Sylacauga Police Department investigators along with the Talladega County Drug & Violent Crime Task Force agents began working the investigation and searching for the suspect. Investigators worked throughout the night to try and locate the suspect with no luck. The suspect, 23 year old Jaylon Montrell Sheperd McKinzie of Childersburg, along with his attorney, cooperated with SPD investigators on Sunday, Sept. 26.
Evidence in the case was turned over to investigators by the suspect’s attorney. Charges are pending at this time while the evidence is being processed. If you have any information pertaining to a crime, please contact the Sylacauga Police Department Investigations Division @ 256-401-2464 or you may report anonymously to the Sylacauga Police Department Tip Line @ 256-249-4716.
