MIDDLETOWN, CT — A community is in mourning as the family of Xzavier Reyes breaks their silence following his tragic shooting death last week. Reyes, described as a devoted son and a football enthusiast, was killed in what police are calling Middletown’s first homicide in over 18 months.
On Sunday, grieving relatives gathered to share memories of a young man who they say had his whole life ahead of him.
A Family Devastated
For Shiann Jenkins, the loss of her cousin feels like losing a brother. Processing the sudden violence has been an uphill battle for the entire family.
“He was honestly one of a kind,” Jenkins said during a remembrance on Sunday. “There’s been so much trauma and tragedy and just the taking of life so young.”
Reyes was known in the neighborhood for his kind heart and his passion for football. His family noted that he was the type of person anyone could count on for support, making the senseless nature of his death even harder to swallow.
The Investigation: Arrest Made
The fatal incident occurred last Wednesday on Cooley Avenue. The shooting sent shockwaves through the quiet residential area, ending a long period of relative peace in the city. Middletown Police acted quickly, announcing an arrest shortly after the investigation began.
Police have charged 24-year-old Nygell Smikle in connection with the slaying. Smikle is currently facing a litany of charges, including murder, as investigators work to determine a motive for the shooting.
Case Overview & Legal Status
| Detail | Information |
| Victim | Xzavier Reyes |
| Location of Incident | Cooley Avenue, Middletown, CT |
| Date of Shooting | Wednesday, April 29, 2026 |
| Suspect | Nygell Smikle (24 years old) |
| Primary Charge | Murder |
| City Milestone | First Middletown homicide since November 2024 |
A Community Shaken
Middletown has maintained a significant decrease in violent crime over the past year, making this incident particularly jarring for local residents. The last recorded homicide in the city took place in November 2024.
Local advocates and family members are using this tragedy to highlight the ongoing issue of youth violence and the trauma it leaves behind in tight-knit communities. For Reyes’ family, the focus remains on justice and ensuring that Xzavier is remembered for how he lived, not just how he died.
“He was the person I could always count on,” Jenkins added, echoing the sentiments of many who knew the young athlete.
What is your message to the Reyes family? Do you think the city needs to do more to address youth safety on the streets?
Please leave your tributes and thoughts in the comments below to support the family during this difficult time.
