Georgia high school wide receiver Elijah DeWitt shot, killed in mall parking lot

McClain Baxley
Updated ·5 min read
Jefferson's Elijah Dewitt.
Jefferson's Elijah Dewitt.

ATHENS, Georgia – The Jefferson and Northeast Georgia communities are mourning the death of Jefferson senior wide receiver Elijah DeWitt, who was shot and killed in the parking lot of Sugarloaf Mills Mall Wednesday night.

Many players and coaches in the football community were sending thoughts to the family and friends of the Athens Banner-Herald Terrific 20 star on Thursday morning.

Gwinnett police spokeswoman Officer Hideshi Valle told the AJC that he was shot multiple times and it's being investigated as a homicide.

The Gwinnett Police Department released a press release Thursday afternoon saying the GPD "currently has one suspect in custody out of state in connection with this case."

"The investigation is still ongoing, but detectives have reason to believe that this was not a random encounter and that some of the parties involved in the incident were known to each other," the release reads.

DeWitt, 17, grew up in Jefferson, playing for the Dragons youth, middle school and high school football teams. The talented receiver spent the 2021 season at Prince Avenue before transferring home to Jefferson this year for his senior season.

"The Jefferson High School Football program is heartbroken as we mourn the loss of one of our own, Elijah DeWitt," a statement from the Jefferson football program read. "The DeWitt family is in our thoughts and prayers. We appreciate your understanding as we respect the family’s privacy during this time."

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Having played at both Prince and Jefferson, as well as competing on Cam Newton's 7-on-7 teams in the offseason, DeWitt was well known as a strong talent and competitor across the state.

"Loss of words," Prince Avenue senior Bailey Stockton said in a tweet. "Rest in peace (sic) to my brother. I love you dawg forever."

In six games this season for the Dragons, DeWitt racked up nearly 600 receiving yards and five touchdowns, in addition to 12 tackles and an interception. Back in May, he picked up his first collegiate offer from Arkansas State.

"We just watched him play a few weeks ago and he was outstanding on both sides of the ball, the offers were coming in for this 2023 WR at Jefferson," said 247Sports' Rusty Mansell in a tweet. "Sick over this! Prayers to the entire Jefferson football community."

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McClain Baxley is a recruiting reporter for the Athens Banner-Herald and the USA TODAY Network. Reach him by email at mbaxley@onlineathens.com or on Twitter at @mcclainbaxley. Subscribe today to support local journalism.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Georgia high school wide receiver Elijah DeWitt killed in parking lot

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