17-Year-Old Zaveon Simpkins Tragically Killed in Robbery; Two Teens, Christopher Kelly, 19, and Christian Kelly, 18, Arrested and Charged with Capital Murder and First-Degree Robbery in Montgomery
Montgomery, Alabama – April 9, 2025
The city of Montgomery has been rocked by the tragic shooting death of 17-year-old Zaveon Simpkins, whose life was taken in what police have described as a senseless robbery over the weekend. Authorities have arrested two suspects, Christopher Kelly, 19, and Christian Kelly, 18, in connection with Simpkins’ death, both of whom are facing serious charges, including capital murder and first-degree robbery.
The fatal incident took place on the evening of Friday, April 4, 2025, at approximately 7:15 p.m. in the 3600 block of Madolyn Lane in Montgomery. Officers responding to the scene found Simpkins suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of first responders, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The shooting is believed to have been the result of a robbery in which $500 in cash and an iPhone 12 were stolen from the victim.
Timeline of Events
The tragic events unfolded late on a Friday evening, when Montgomery police received multiple reports of gunfire in the area of Madolyn Lane. Officers arrived shortly before 7:15 p.m. and discovered Zaveon Simpkins lying on the ground, gravely injured from gunshot wounds. Paramedics arrived soon after but were unable to save Simpkins, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
While initial details surrounding the incident were sparse, the Montgomery Police Department quickly launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting. According to Sgt. Tina McGriff of the Montgomery Police Department, the investigation revealed that Simpkins had been fatally shot during a robbery.
Charging documents released by authorities indicate that $500 in cash and an iPhone 12 were stolen from Simpkins during the crime. These details, however, do not paint a full picture of the horror of the night or the extent of the impact on Simpkins’ family and the Montgomery community at large.
Arrests and Charges
Following a thorough investigation, Montgomery police arrested two individuals in connection with the crime. Christopher Kelly, 19, and Christian Kelly, 18, both of whom are from Montgomery, were taken into custody on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. They have each been charged with capital murder and first-degree robbery.
Capital murder charges are typically reserved for the most serious of offenses, such as murders committed during the commission of a felony—in this case, a robbery. The seriousness of the charges suggests the severity of the crime committed against Zaveon Simpkins and underscores the gravity of the situation for both the suspects and the victim’s family.
The Kelly brothers are currently being held without bond at the Montgomery County Detention Facility as the investigation continues. Authorities have not indicated whether additional arrests will be made in connection with the crime, but the Montgomery Police Department is urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward.
The Victim: Zaveon Simpkins
Zaveon Simpkins was just 17 years old at the time of his death. Described as a young man with a bright future ahead of him, Simpkins’ tragic passing has left his family, friends, and the community heartbroken. Those who knew him remember him as a kind, hardworking teenager with big dreams.
The shooting has left a profound void in the lives of those who loved Zaveon, and his family has publicly expressed their grief and devastation in the wake of his untimely death. Local residents, as well as students and young people in the community, have been left shaken by the senseless violence.
The loss of such a young life, especially under such circumstances, has raised serious questions about safety, youth violence, and the impact of criminal activity in neighborhoods like the one where the shooting occurred. While the family of Zaveon Simpkins is left to grieve their unimaginable loss, the wider community of Montgomery continues to mourn, struggling to make sense of such a senseless tragedy.
The Suspects: Christopher and Christian Kelly
Christopher Kelly, 19, and Christian Kelly, 18, are the primary suspects in the fatal shooting of Zaveon Simpkins. The two brothers were arrested on April 8, 2025, after an intensive investigation by Montgomery police. The charges against them are serious, with both facing capital murder and first-degree robbery charges.
As of now, the exact details of the Kelly brothers’ involvement in the shooting remain unclear, but the charges suggest they were directly involved in the fatal robbery. Both suspects are being held without bond at the Montgomery County Detention Facility while authorities continue their investigation into the case.
While little is known about the Kelly brothers’ backgrounds at this time, their arrest and the charges against them have drawn significant attention in the community. Residents of Montgomery are grappling with the idea that two young men, potentially with their own futures ahead of them, could have been involved in such a violent and fatal act. The shooting has left the community questioning the factors that may have led to the tragic event, and whether such violence could have been prevented.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the shooting of Zaveon Simpkins remains ongoing, and Montgomery police have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests in connection with the case. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation. This includes anyone who may have witnessed the robbery or shooting, or who may have information regarding the suspects’ whereabouts or actions in the days leading up to the crime.
The Montgomery Police Department has also emphasized the importance of community collaboration in solving crimes like this. With violent crime rates on the rise in some areas of Montgomery, it is clear that local law enforcement is keen to resolve this case quickly, bringing justice to the family of Zaveon Simpkins while also addressing broader concerns about safety in the city.
A Community in Mourning
The shooting of Zaveon Simpkins has sent shockwaves through the Montgomery community, with residents, community leaders, and local organizations all expressing their sorrow and outrage over the violence. In the wake of the incident, calls for increased safety measures, youth programs, and support for at-risk individuals have become more urgent.
Zaveon’s family, in particular, has been vocal in their grief and has called for justice in the wake of their loved one’s death. Many in Montgomery have also stepped forward to honor Zaveon’s memory, offering condolences to his family and supporting efforts to ensure that similar tragedies do not happen in the future.
As local authorities work tirelessly to resolve the case, there is a growing sense that the tragic loss of Zaveon Simpkins could be a catalyst for important changes in Montgomery. From a renewed focus on crime prevention to greater investment in youth programs and community-building efforts, there is hope that Zaveon’s death will not be in vain.
The Aftermath and Call for Justice
The arrest of Christopher and Christian Kelly is just one step in the long journey toward justice for Zaveon Simpkins. The charges against the suspects reflect the seriousness of the crime, but for the victim’s family, true justice will only be achieved when the full extent of the crime is uncovered and those responsible are held accountable.
In the coming weeks, as the investigation continues, more details may emerge about the circumstances leading to the shooting, the motives behind the robbery, and any other individuals who may have been involved. The Kelly brothers, currently in custody without bond, will likely face trial for their involvement in the robbery and murder of Zaveon Simpkins.
As the community comes to terms with the loss, there is an undeniable need for healing. This tragedy has brought to the forefront issues of violence, poverty, and youth crime in Montgomery—issues that local leaders and residents will need to confront head-on in order to prevent future losses.
The legacy of Zaveon Simpkins will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his death may serve as a reminder of the importance of community, compassion, and a collective commitment to making Montgomery a safer place for all its residents.
Conclusion: Seeking Justice for Zaveon Simpkins
The loss of 17-year-old Zaveon Simpkins has left a deep and painful mark on the Montgomery community. While the arrests of Christopher and Christian Kelly represent a step toward justice, much work remains to be done to fully understand the circumstances surrounding his death and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
As the investigation continues, the Montgomery Police Department urges anyone with information to come forward. The community’s support and cooperation will be essential in ensuring that justice is served for Zaveon Simpkins and his grieving family.
In the days, weeks, and months to come, the legacy of Zaveon Simpkins will continue to resonate with those who knew him, and the Montgomery community will continue to mourn his loss while working toward a future where such senseless violence is no longer a reality.
