Three men have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder following the weekend shooting death of 16-year-old Brett A. Wells of Mechanicsville.

According to Sgt. Chris R. Whitley of the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Da’von T. Byars, 19, of the 1400 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike in the City of Richmond; Kevin M. Drayton Jr., 18, of the 8300 block of Rollins Lane in Mechanicsville; and, Xavia S. Highsmith, 18, of the 2000 block of N. 28th Street in the City of Richmond were arrested on Monday. They also were charged with use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and aggravated malicious wounding.

On Monday, they were incarcerated at the Pamunkey Regional Jail in Hanover County.

Wells was shot Saturday night in the 7300 block of Verdi Lane, where he resided. He was a sophomore at Atlee High School.

Whitley said the preliminary investigation indicates a prior arrangement was made to purchase a quantity of marijuana from the victim. However, the intention of the suspects was never to purchase the marijuana. Rather, they intended to steal it. As a result, a physical altercation ensued during the transaction, which led to Wells being shot once in the chest.

As the suspects were fleeing the scene, an additional shot was fired, striking a second victim, a male who was taken to VCU Medical Center with a non-life-threatening injury. Whitley said he is expected to recover.

“I am exceptionally proud of the exhaustive efforts of our investigative staff in resolving this case in less than 48 hours,” Col David R. Hines, sheriff, said. “They have literally worked non-stop and are to be commended for their hard work and dedication. I would also like to extend my appreciation to the City of Richmond and Henrico County Police Departments for their direct assistance in furthering our investigation. Lastly, I would like to thank the community for their cooperation during this very trying time.”

“The Sheriff’s Office joins the community in mourning the death of Brett Wells,” Hines added. “We ask that the community keep the Wells family in their thoughts and prayers during this extremely difficult time.”

“There are no words that can adequately express our sorrow for the loss of one of our Atlee High School students,” Linda M. Scarborough, communications specialist for Hanover County Public Schools said Monday morning. “Hanover County Public Schools and the Atlee High School community extend our heartfelt sympathies to Brett’s family at this very difficult time.”

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office at 365-6140 or the Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.