GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A third person has been arrested in connection to the shooting death of a Jefferson High School football player.
Kpadeh Jones, 19, faces malice murder charges in Elijah Dewitt's death, according to Gwinnett County Jail records. It is unclear how police believe he played a role in Dewitt's death.
A release Thursday by Gwinnett County Police did not detail Jones' alleged involvement.
DeWitt, 18, was shot and killed in the parking lot of Sugarloaf Mills Mall outside the Dave & Buster's in Lawrenceville on the night of Oct. 5, 2022.
The two teens accused in his killing: 19-year-old Chandler Zion Richardson and 18-year-old Kemare Bryan were previously indicted by a grand jury on one count of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Richardson recently plead not guilty in his death earlier this year in March. He was notified in court that if convicted on the four charges, he would face a maximum of two life sentences plus 25 additional years in prison.
Kpadeh Jones, above
Elijah DeWitt, below
Dewitt's family also filed a lawsuit against the business owners where the shooting took place -- Sugarloaf Mills, Simon Property Group, Allied Universal and Dave & Buster’s. They said they are suing the groups "for failing to provide adequate security even though they knew the property was– and continued to be– dangerous."
DeWitt's mother said while her son was a giant on the football field at Jefferson High School, he was the most down-to-earth guy with dreams to play college football – a dream cut short by one senseless act.
Last year, hundreds honored the star football player remembering him as a "gentle giant" after his death.
It seemed like nothing could stand in Elijah's way – Dawn said he already had a couple offers and was set to visit the University of Georgia.
"He loved football, he was ready and willing to do whatever it takes to go D1, that was his ultimate goal," Dawn said. "He was very tender and he loved people. Elijah was the kindest soul."
11Alive has reached out to police to obtain warrants for Jones.
This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.
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