Jefferson receiver DeWitt dies in Gwinnett County shooting

Gwinnett County police have apprehended an unnamed suspect in the shooting death of all-state wide receiver Elijah DeWitt, a Jefferson senior whose body was found Wednesday night in the parking lot of Sugarloaf Mills shopping mall in Lawrenceville. Police said DeWitt was shot multiple times. Investigators have told media that DeWitt likely knew the shooter.

Jefferson Football released a Twitter statement on Thursday morning, saying the 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.”

DeWitt is the state's 15th-leading receiver in today's GHSF Daily Leaderboard. He had 22 receptions for 594 yards and five touchdowns in six games. In 2021, playing for Prince Avenue Christian, DeWitt had 77 receptions for 1,181 yards and 10 touchdowns. He made first-team all-state with the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association and honorable mention with GHSF Daily and the AJC.

Jefferson coach Travis Noland issued a Twitter statement Thursday evening. “I wish I had the time and words to respond to the hundreds of heart felt text messages today. On behalf of the DeWitt family, Dragon football and Jefferson community...THANK YOU!”

Jefferson is on fall break and is not scheduled to play until Oct. 14 at Flowery Branch.

To read more and for updates on the case, see the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s coverage.