The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) says its investigation has yielded new details about the fatal hit-and-run case that took the life of 23-year-old Xavion Wimberly.
Sheriff Eugene Brantley and Burke County Sheriff Alonzo Williams joined the Wimberly family, Monday afternoon, at the RCSO office on Walton Way for a media conference to make public aware that law enforcement now believes that Xavion was robbed shortly after the deadly collision.
“As Mr. Wimberly lay dying on the side of [Deans Ridge Road], someone, or possibly more than one individual, made the unconscionable decision to steal some of his belongings,” said Sheriff Brantley. “This is not only a crime, it’s a betrayal of our shared values as a community, and we cannot and should not allow this kind of behavior to go unanswered.”
Xavion Wimberly was killed after being struck by a southbound vehicle near the Suz Lounge on Deans Bridge Road, early the morning of May 26. RCSO would shortly thereafter arrest Daveyon Williams in connection with the incident, charging him with vehicular homicide and a DUI.
As part of the continuing joint investigation of the incident, the RCSO and BCSO are offering a reward of $7,500 for any information or video leading to an arrest.
“That’s how dedicated we are to finding the person or persons responsible and helping to bring comfort and peace to this family,” said Sheriff Williams, noting that anyone who can offer any information that leads to the apprehension of the suspected robber may do so anonymously and receive a check for the reward “no questions asked.”
Xavier Wimberly, Xavion’s father, in a heartfelt address, expressed gratitude to both law enforcement agencies and the people of both Burke and Richmond Counties for their support, while also urging the community for its assistance in the investigation.
“Through prayer and supplication we’re getting through this,” said Wimberly. “But we need need the communities here.”
Wimberly describes his son as “full of joy… a churchgoing kid… a praying kid,” and again lauded both sheriff departments for their responses, saying that the family did not have to worry about getting a call from Brantley, whom they knew long before he became sheriff, or from Williams.
Wimberly referred to Proverbs 3:5-6 as Xavion’s favorite Bible passage.
“ ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways, acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path,’” Wimberly read. “ I say that because this is a trying time for us, and we have to trust in the Lord. In this spirit, my family and I are leaning on our faith as we navigate this journey.”
The public may offer information on the case to the RCSO via email, social media, or its anonymous tip line at 706-828-3784.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
