A teenager from Jefferson was found dead with a gunshot wound Wednesday evening in the parking lot of Sugarloaf Mills Mall in Lawrenceville.
According to a press release from the Gwinnett County Police Department, the victim was identified as Elijah Dewitt, 17.
Officers responded just after 8:15 p.m. to a “person shot call” at 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway. Arriving officers found Dewitt deceased on the ground in the parking lot with gunshot wounds.
This investigation is active and detectives are exploring all motives.
Who was Elijah Dewitt?
Elijah Dewitt, 17, was a senior star wide receiver on the football team at Jefferson High School.
According to his bio on 247sports.com, Elijah Dewitt was a student of Prince Avenue Christian School as was set to graduate in 2023.
DeWitt’s Twitter page is filled with highlight videos and re-tweets from top football recruit blogs and websites.
Coming into the game on Sept. 23, one recruiting analyst said he was averaging more than 100 receiving yards per game for the Dragons.
DeWitt’s performance on the field was featured several times on High 5 Sports including the Game of the Week during Week Six when the Dragons beat Clarke Central High School.
Tributes
Tributes and prayers are starting to pour in on social media.
“The Jefferson High School Football program is heartbroken as we mourn the loss of one of our own, Elijah DeWitt,” the football team posted on social media. “The DeWitt family is in our thoughts and prayers. We appreciate your understanding as we respect the family’s privacy during this time.”
The Jefferson High School Football program is heartbroken as we mourn the loss of one of our own, Elijah DeWitt. The DeWitt family is in our thoughts and prayers. We appreciate your understanding as we respect the family’s privacy during this time. pic.twitter.com/9q2l6nujPA
— Jefferson 🏈 Football (@JeffersonFootba) October 6, 2022