DeKalb officials, victim's family urge public to help identify persons of interest in 2024 nightclub killing

DeKalb County officials and the family of Xavier McCclary urged the public to come forward with information that could help identify persons of interest in the 2024 killing of McCclary at a county nightclub.

Chief Greg Peddrickch of the DeKalb County Police Department said detectives believe three people captured on surveillance and a beige Chevrolet SUV with black rims and aftermarket exhaust may be connected to the March 24, 2024, shooting at the Plush Club in the 2900 block of South Rainbow Drive. "These individuals are not being accused of any wrongdoing at this time," Peddrickch said, adding investigators simply want to speak with them "so that they can help us identify the person responsible." He said the department has continued to interview witnesses, collect evidence and pursue leads over more than two years.

The victim's mother, Shantel McCclary, described her son as a mentor and caregiver and appealed directly for help. "Who did this and why?" she asked, saying she and the family had been searching for answers for more than two years and that "any information you provide is completely anonymous." Officials said the initial reward for information remains active.

DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran Johnson offered condolences to the family and said she will forward an update to the Board of Commissioners to expand the county's video-surveillance requirements to additional establishments, arguing clearer images could have helped investigators earlier. "We need businesses to be safe. We need our patrons to be safe and we need cooperation," she said.

Police named Jaquante Shepard, who worked as a doorman and security guard at the club that night, as someone detectives want to interview and said they have been unable to locate him. The department asked anyone with information about the three people shown in surveillance, Mr. Shepard, the vehicle or the shooting to contact the DeKalb County Police Department Homicide Unit at 770-724-7850 or submit an anonymous tip through the department's TIPS 411 mobile app. The Crimestoppers phone number was given in the news conference audio but was incomplete in the transcript provided.

During a brief question-and-answer session, reporters asked whether the photos were from the night of the shooting and whether the three people left in the same vehicle. Police replied the images were "from the area of the club" and said the investigation led them to believe the three individuals were associated with the SUV, but reiterated the department's focus is to gather information rather than to accuse the pictured people.

No arrests were announced at the briefing. Officials said the homicide unit will continue to accept tips and that local leaders will pursue legislative changes on surveillance requirements as a preventive measure. The news release will be distributed to newsrooms and the department encouraged anyone with even small details to come forward.