NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Xavier Johnson’s family has been watching videos of the 20-year-old preaching, something he’s enjoyed doing since he was a child. They say he’s always been very involved in church. These are the last videos they have of him.

“It’s hard to process. I don’t know how to deal with it. This is the first time I’ve dealt with this, so I’m just taking it day by day,” said his mother, Okimo Brockelman.

On August 19, Johnson was taken to a short-term rental home on Maplecrest Drive in Donelson by a woman, according to police. The family says Johnson was trusting and must have believed the woman was a friend.

“He loved people so much that he went even though he didn’t know what would happen,” said his grandmother Falesia Butler.

And the result was devastating. Neighbors said they saw a man waiting in the bushes. He shot Johnson multiple times, killing him. His family has no idea why.

“They shot him, murdered him, riddled him with bullets or whatever they speculated. And the part is that the same person that would give you everything, feed you, take care of you, they left him there like he was a dog,” Butler said.

Now they seek justice while remembering what they loved most about him.

“He was one of the most polite and funniest people you could meet. And even though he was small in stature, his heart and soul were those of a giant,” Brockelman said.

She said he left a big hole in their hearts.

“Xavier’s personality is more of a happy, funny, silly, goofy boy, and he’s been that way since he was born. He’s always been happy and outgoing,” Brockelman said.

The family asks anyone with information to contact the police.

“If anyone has any information about this, please contact us or contact the authorities,” said his grandfather Garry Butler.

The police say they are following up on strong leads. No arrests have been made so far.

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