Levar Lee Coleman, a man remembered for his contagious smile, selfless kindness, and spontaneous soul, was 43 years old when his life was taken in Covert, Michigan. Born in Detroit on November 11, 1977, Levar moved to Covert with his parents, Mary and George Washington, and graduated from Covert High School, where he participated in track and swimming. He had a love for fashion and a unique way with words, often speaking in riddles. At the time of his death, Levar, a Black male, was proudly working to rebuild his classic 1974 Chevrolet Corvette. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and cousin who was deeply cherished by his family.
On the evening of October 14, 2021, Levar visited his mother’s house and played with his nieces and nephews. Just fifteen minutes after he left, his family received a devastating phone call. Around 8:15 p.m., an altercation broke out in front of the Marathon gas station on M-140 and North Street. During the fight, Levar was shot once in the chest.
Emergency services rushed him to a nearby hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries. His brother, Alfonso Coleman, later expressed the family's shock, stating, “Everybody liked him. He was a likeable person.”
The Covert Township Police Department led the investigation and quickly identified a suspect: 26-year-old Kadeem Adrian Wynter, a resident of nearby Watervliet who also went by the name "Reco." Authorities released his description, identifying him as a Black male, approximately six feet two inches tall and weighing 160 pounds. Police warned the public that Wynter was considered armed and dangerous and asked for anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact them. An arrest warrant was issued for Wynter on charges of murder and felony firearm.
In the days following the shooting, a false report circulated that Wynter had been apprehended in Indiana, but law enforcement officials quickly clarified that he remained at large. The search for Wynter continued as Levar Coleman's grieving family prepared for his funeral. A wake and funeral service were held on October 27, 2021, at the Faith Temple of Christ All Nations in Covert, and he was laid to rest at Covert Cemetery.
The pursuit of justice for Levar Coleman eventually led to the arrest and prosecution of Kadeem Wynter. Court records from the Van Buren Circuit Court show a criminal case, "PEOPLE OF MI V KADEEM ADRIAN WYNTER," was filed. The case progressed through the legal system, including an appeal that resulted in a Michigan Court of Appeals order dated in November 2024.
As of late 2024, the court case against Kadeem Wynter in connection with the murder of Levar Coleman has concluded. The family and community who mourned the sudden and violent loss of a man known for his energy and kindness have seen the legal process come to a close, though the search for answers and the pain of their loss remains. The Covert Township Police Department asked anyone with information to call (269) 764-8100.
