Xavia McClary Stepped In to Protect His Friends — Minutes Later, He Was Shot Dead Inside the Club
Decatur, Georgia — March 24, 2024
Jamil Colts, the big sister of Xavia McClary, reached out directly to The Vivid Faces of the Vanished about her brother’s unsolved murder.
More than 2 years after his death, Xavia’s family is still searching for justice for a man they say lost his life while trying to protect others during what should have been a simple night out celebrating a friend’s birthday.
Xavia McClary was 30 years old.
A Birthday Celebration Turns Violent
On March 24, 2024, Xavia was inside Plush Lounge on South Rainbow Drive in Decatur, Georgia, attending an after-hours birthday celebration with friends.
According to police reports and statements from his family, trouble began after two female friends rejected advances from a group of men inside the club.
One of the men reportedly became hostile and aggressive after being turned down. Xavia’s family said the man was wearing a suit and claimed he was from Covington, Georgia.
When the situation escalated into a physical altercation involving one of the women, Xavia stepped in to defend his friends.
Minutes later, Xavia was shot inside the club.
He died at the scene.
His family has also alleged that security guards at the establishment failed to properly check patrons for weapons before allowing them inside.
Xavia’s Sister Pleads for Answers
Jamil shared with The Vivid Faces of the Vanished what her family says happened that night and why they are still asking witnesses to come forward:
“Xavia McClary was shot and killed March 24, 2024 in Decatur, Ga on Rainbow Dr at a after hours spot called Plush Lounge. He was defending a female friend who was in a physical altercation with a man after she rejected him. Security guards did not check for guns in the establishment so my brother was killed inside and died at the scene. We are just asking for anyone with information on that night come forward. Justice has not been served and we are just asking for justice for my brother.”
Three Persons of Interest and a Vehicle Sought
Investigators later released surveillance footage and identified three persons of interest connected to the shooting.
Authorities have also sought information about a beige Chevrolet Tahoe or Suburban with black rims and an aftermarket exhaust that may be connected to the case.
Despite the surveillance footage, persons of interest, vehicle description, and the family’s continued appeals for information, no arrest has been announced.
Turning Xavia’s Memory Into Something Positive
In the aftermath of Xavia’s murder, his family created TALL: To Always Love Life (TALL, Inc.) in his memory.
The organization was established to promote peace and support others, allowing Xavia’s family to turn the grief surrounding his death into something intended to uplift the community he left behind.
But their work in his memory has not replaced their demand for accountability.
Xavia went out to celebrate a birthday with friends.
When trouble erupted, his family says he stepped in to protect the women he was with.
He never made it out of the club alive.
More than 2 years later, his family is still waiting for the person responsible for killing him to be held accountable.
Anyone with information regarding the murder of Xavia McClary can anonymously contact Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or submit information through the P3 Tips mobile app.
Information can also be provided directly to the DeKalb County Police Department at 770-724-7850.
A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
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