UPDATE - GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS: WM convenience Oconee County, GA store clerk, 23, was shot dead by the NEGRO w illegal gun

[voiceofreason]

https://www.11alive.com/article/new...ounty/85-f7138bca-7f75-4112-b663-04825dad4c0b

Store clerk shot to death in Oconee County
Authorities are still looking the victim's killer

Updated: 10:21 PM EDT March 20, 2021
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OCONEE COUNTY, Ga. — A 23-year-old convenience store clerk is dead after investigators say he was shot early Friday morning.

The Oconee County Sheriff's Office released a statement on Friday afternoon, announcing the death of Elijah Wood at the hands of an unknown killer.

Deputies responded to a report of someone shot around 1:40 a.m. and soon arrived at the RaceTrac gas station at 7921 Macon Highway. The sheriff's office said it was a patron of the convenience store that found Wood and called 911.

Deputies attempted to revive the victim but were unable to do so and he was pronounced dead by medical personnel a short time later.

"This is a tough day for us. We know Elijah and his family well, in a good way," the sheriff's office said in an online statement. "We didn’t have to look up his father’s address because we already knew where he lives."



The sheriff's office later released the link to a page organized to help cover funeral costs for Wood.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/22xj9h3m80

As such, the sheriff's office is now urging anyone with information on the killer to step forward. They've released photos in hopes that someone will recognize the suspect; however, the person's face is heavily obscured by a dark mask and drawn hoodie.

And while the sheriff is asking for the community's help, he's also warning that the suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.

 

[Arheel's Uncle]

Former UGA football player indicted on murder charges in federal court

A former University of Georgia player was indicted on murder charges in federal court this week for the shooting death of a gas station clerk.

accesswdun.com

Posted 10:00AM on Wednesday 11th May 2022 ( 1 week ago )

Former UGA football player indicted on murder charges in federal court​

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By AccessWDUN Staff


Photo: Oconee County Sheriff's Office
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A former University of Georgia player was indicted on murder charges in federal court this week for the shooting death of a gas station clerk.
Akhil Nasir Crumpton, 24, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, faces federal charges of murder, attempted robbery, and firearms charges in the death of Elijah Wood, according to WSB-TV.
Another man, James Armstrong, 34, of Commerce, has been indicted on charges of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. Armstrong allegedly purchased the gun used in Wood's death for Crumpton at a gun shop in Athens.
Crumpton also faces state charges in the murder of Wood, who was killed in a robbery at the RaceTrac gas station on Macon Highway in Watkinsville in March of 2021.
Original Story, Mar. 16, 2022: A former University of Georgia football player has been arrested and charged in the March 2021 shooting death of an Oconee County man at a RaceTrac in the county.
The Oconee County Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook post, Akhil Nasir Crumpton of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is accused in the death of Elijah Wood, 23, on March 19, 2021. Wood, a RaceTrac employee, was shot and killed just before 2 a.m. at the convenience store at 7921 Macon Highway.
The arrest comes in collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Oconee County Sheriff's Office said a search of the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network database produced a ballistic match of shell casings found at the RaceTrac and shell casings from another crime scene in Philadelphia. The two casings were forensically examined and were found to be matching. The Oconee County Sheriff's Office, Philadelphia Police Department, ATF and FBI then launched an investigation to determine whether the shooter was the same in both incidents.
Philadelphia Police Investigators suspected Crumpton was the shooter in their case, while Oconee County investigators established Crumpton's connection with Athens. The sheriff's office said Crumpton played football for the University of Georgia in 2017 and 2018, and was a student at the university until 2021. This discovery led to more evidence in the case, leading to an arrest warrant, and Crumpton's eventual arrest.
The Oconee County Sheriff's Office said they will not release further details at this time.
"For the past year, we have seen the pain, agony, and frustrations this murder has brought to Elijah’s family, friends, and to our community," Oconee County Sheriff James A. Hale, Jr. said in the Facebook post. "We all know this arrest will not bring Elijah back, but we hope his family, friends, and this community can now begin the healing process. We also know that the fight is not over. We must now successfully prosecute the case in a court of law."
While an arrest has been made in the case, anyone with information has been asked to contact the sheriff's office at (706) 769-3945.

 

[Arheel's Uncle]

Former UGA football player arrested for murder of Oconee County RaceTrac clerk

"WE GOT HIM!" A former UGA wide receiver has been charged in the murder of Oconee County RaceTrac clerk Elijah Wood. Police say they tracked the gun used in Wood's murder to another homicide in Philadelphia.

www.fox5atlanta.com

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Former UGA football player arrested for murder of Oconee County RaceTrac clerk​

By FOX 5 Atlanta Digital Team

Published March 16, 2022

Updated 11:51PM

Family of Elijah Wood relieved by arrest​

The family of Elijah Wood, who was killed nearly a year ago at an Oconee County Racetrac, said they were relieved by an arrest, but are waiting for justice to run its course.

OCONEE COUNTY, Ga. - Law enforcement authorities have arrested a former UGA football player identified as the suspect in the murder of an Oconee County RaceTrac gas station employee.

Elijah Wood, 23, was working the overnight shift at the RaceTrac located in the 7900 block of Macon Highway on March 19, 2021. A masked gunman walked into the store, pointed his handgun at Wood, and pulled the trigger around 1:40 a.m., investigators said.






After nearly a year of searching, the Oconee County Sheriff's Office said they were notified in February by agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms of a ballistic match used in Wood's murder. According to investigators, the match showed the same gun was used in July at a homicide in Philadelphia after Wood's murder.

$50,000 REWARD FOR INFORMATION IN OCONEE COUNTY MAN'S MURDER

Former UGA football player arrested in deadly shooting of gas station clerk​

A man seen in surveillance video from the gas station was identified as Ahkil Crumpton, a former UGA student and football player. Elijah Wood died while working the nightshift at an Oconee County RaceTrac.

After a multi-agency investigation, officials said they identified the main suspect as Ahkil Crumpton. Law enforcement arrested Crumpton on Wednesday morning in West Philadelphia and charged him with Wood's murder.

Crumpton faces weapons charges in Pennsylvania, but sources believe those charges could be upgraded. It was not clear when he would be be extradicted back to Georgia.

Posting on Facebook, the Oconee County Sheriff's Office said "today was the day Elijah Wood’s family, everyone here at the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, and our community has been waiting for. WE GOT HIM!"

"It’s a great relief to finally have the suspect in custody," Oconee County Sheriff James A. Hale Jr. said in a statement. "For the past year Oconee Co. investigators along with our state, federal, and local law enforcement partners have tirelessly worked this difficult case. Although challenging, we were always confident we would find the person responsible for this senseless murder."

RaceTrac also put out a statement following the arrest that reads:

"We continue to be devastated by this senseless tragedy. Our hope is that Elijah’s family and the Oconee County community rests a little easier now that a suspect has been identified. The Watkinsville RaceTrac team will remember him as the always smiling big teddy bear who was an incredibly hard worker and their go-to guy. Elijah will be dearly missed by the entire RaceTrac family."

Akhil Crumpton

Who is Akhil Crumpton?​

A Philadelphia native, Crumpton attended Los Angeles Valley Community College before to transferring to UGA.

In Athens, Crumpton was a wide receiver for the University of Georgia from 2017 to 2019. He played in 24 total games in his career, according to UGA Athletics.

According to investigators, Crumpton was a student at UGA until 2021, the year that Wood was killed.

Who was Elijah Wood?​

Wood was beloved by many and was apparently known well by the sheriff's office investigating his murder.

A memorial stood in front of the RaceTrac where Wood worked and died months after the incident.

Wood's father, Todd Wood, told Hale in a video posted on the sheriff's office YouTube channel before the arrest that said he spent months mourning his son's death but the grief will never go away.

"I prefer to view this as, God's got it in his hands, he's always got it in his hands," Todd Wood said. "I completely trust the law enforcement behind this."

Wood's brother-in-law, Tripp Lemmonds said he wishes the killer would turn themselves in. The sheriff admits this is a difficult case saying investigators have questioned 43 people of interest, executed 12 search warrants, and conducted countless interviews.

"It still hurts as much today as it did the morning of the murder," Lemmonds explained.

Lemmonds said volunteers have distributed thousands of flyers have as far as North Carolina and Alabama.

"Once sentenced, then we'll have some relief of it and then there can be some forgiveness because we are a godly family," Lemmonds.

 

[Arheel's Uncle]

Former UGA Football Player Convicted on All Counts in RaceTrac Shooting Case

A federal jury today convicted a Pennsylvania resident and former University of Georgia student and football player of federal charges resulting from a lengthy investigation into the shooting death of an Oconee County, Georgia, man.

www.justice.gov

Former UGA Football Player Convicted on All Counts in RaceTrac Shooting Case​

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Georgia

ATHENS, Ga. – A federal jury today convicted a Pennsylvania resident and former University of Georgia student and football player of federal charges resulting from a lengthy investigation into the shooting death of an Oconee County, Georgia, man. Ahkil Nasir Crumpton aka “Crump,” 26, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was found guilty of one count of interference with commerce by attempted robbery and one count of false statement during the purchase of a firearm today. Crumpton faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for attempted robbery and a maximum of ten years in prison for the firearm charge. The sentencing date will be determined by the Court. The defendant is not eligible for parole. Crumpton is facing state charges for murder and other offenses in Georgia. The trial began on Oct. 16 before U.S. District Judge Tilman “Tripp” Self. “No matter today’s outcome, there is no returning Elijah Wood to his family and friends, who have had to endure both the pain of his loss and many unanswered questions,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Pursing justice in this case was challenging and lengthy, but ultimately the dedicated collaboration of investigators and prosecutors prevailed. I hope that today’s verdict offers some measure of justice for Elijah Wood’s family.” “Ahkil Crumpton’s crime was senseless, tragic, and irreversible,” said Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Robert Gibbs of the FBI’s Athens office. “This outcome reflects the commitment of the FBI to working with our law enforcement partners to hold violent offenders accountable. We hope Elijah Wood’s family can find some healing in this verdict.” “NIBIN is proven technology used to link the criminal use of firearms with the person who pulled the trigger,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “In this case, NIBIN allowed investigators to successfully connect both shootings to the defendant. Working alongside our local, state and federal partners, ATF is committed to using every resource at our disposal to reduce violent crime and hold violent offenders accountable.” According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Crumpton was alone when he entered the RaceTrac gas station and convenience store on Macon Highway in Watkinsville, Georgia, on March 19, 2021, where Elijah Wood was working as the store clerk, filling in for a sick coworker. Crumpton’s face was covered, and he was wearing dark clothing and football gloves. There was another customer in the store; Crumpton is seen on surveillance video exiting and then returning at 1:15 a.m. Upon his return, Crumpton approached Wood, who was standing behind the counter at the cash register. Crumpton pointed a Glock 19 pistol with a weapon mounted light at Wood, firing one round at close range towards Wood, striking him in the chest. Wood’s girlfriend testified at trial that she was on a FaceTime call with Wood at the time. Crumpton ran out of the store without taking any money or merchandise. Wood died at the scene. The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) located one 9mm shell casing from the counter between two of the cash registers. Four months later, on July 17, 2021, Crumpton was seen exiting the South Street Diner at 140 South Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at 3:18 a.m. to retrieve a Glock 43 pistol from a vehicle and was approached by Anthony Jones. Surveillance video from a nearby business captured the encounter between Jones and Crumpton. Jones brandished a silver handgun and pointed it at Crumpton, then appeared to grab the car keys out of Crumpton’s left hand. Jones forcefully removed the Glock 43 pistol from Crumpton’s right pocket while simultaneously holding him at gunpoint. When Jones turned around following the robbery and began to run away, Crumpton pulled a Glock 19 pistol from his waistband and fired 13 gunshots that ultimately struck and killed Jones. The spent 9mm shell casings ejected from Crumpton’s handgun were collected by law enforcement and later submitted to ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) for comparison testing. The analysis confirmed that the firearm used in the RaceTrac murder in Oconee County, Georgia, was the same firearm used in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, shooting. On the morning of March 16, 2022, FBI and ATF agents arrested Crumpton in Philadelphia on a murder warrant issued out of the Superior Court of Oconee County, Georgia. Crumpton jumped out of his bedroom window to escape arrest, but he was taken into custody by FBI SWAT following a chase. Inside Crumpton’s bedroom, agents located the Glock 19 pistol that was confirmed in ballistics testing to be the one used in the shooting deaths of Elijah Wood in Oconee County and Anthony Jones in Philadelphia. The gun was found inside Crumpton’s official 2018 Rose Bowl Game backpack given to the players who competed in the football game. In addition, agents found items of clothing worn by Crumpton in both shooting deaths and a loaded AR-15 rifle. Crumpton was a former member of the University of Georgia (UGA) football team, where he played wide receiver during the 2017 and 2018 season and attended UGA as a student from the fall of 2017 to the spring of 2021, although he did not graduate. At the time of Elijah Wood’s murder, Crumpton resided at an apartment in Watkinsville, Georgia, less than two miles from the RaceTrac, with his close friend and UGA football teammate, Juwan Taylor, who is currently a player development assistant for the team. Taylor testified at trial that Crumpton came to their apartment after the shooting holding the pistol and was visibly upset saying, “I didn’t mean to do it – I just wanted the money, I just shot him at the store, at the store.” Crumpton explained further that when he lifted the gun up, it “just went off.” Taylor said he was frightened for his own safety and did not tell anyone. In July 2021, Crumpton returned to live in his hometown of Philadelphia. Co-defendant James North Armstrong, 35, of Commerce, Georgia, testified that Crumpton was a client of his at his tattoo studio. Armstrong testified that Crumpton asked him to purchase a gun for him. Armstrong admitted that he illegally purchased the Glock 19 for Crumpton on Feb. 8, 2021, at the Franklin Gun Shop in Athens, Georgia, by falsely claiming to be the buyer on the Firearms Transaction Record-Form 4473 when Crumpton was the actual buyer. It is a federal offense to lie on Form 4473. Armstrong pleaded guilty to one count of false statement during the purchase of a firearm on Oct. 3 and faces a maximum of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing for Armstrong will occur at a date determined by the Court. Crumpton was originally indicted on four federal charges (for more information, please see https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/p...ms-charges-filed-shooting-death-oconee-county). The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in United States v. Taylor, handed down a month and ten days after Crumpton’s federal indictment, found that attempted Hobbs Act robbery was not a crime of violence. Therefore, Counts Two and Three in Crumpton’s original indictment were dismissed prior to trial. This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, please visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin. The case was investigated by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), FBI, GBI, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Philadelphia Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mike Morrison and Daniel Peach are prosecuting the case for the Government. ​