Suspect Accused Of Killing Jefferson Teen In Custody: Police

This story was corrected to reflect the suspect was arrested out of state.

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — Gwinnett police said they have a suspect in custody in connection with the shooting death of a 17-year-old boy Wednesday night, according to a news release.

Officers responded to a shooting in the 5900 block of Sugarloaf Parkway around 8:15 p.m.

Police said they found the teen, who they identified as Elijah Dewitt, of Jefferson, in the Sugarloaf Mills Mall parking lot with gunshot wounds.

Gwinnett police said detectives do not believe the shooting was random and that some of the people involved were known to each other.

Police said the suspect was arrested out of state.

Jefferson High School has identified Dewitt as one of its football players.

"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," the school posted to Twitter.

Atlanta News First reported police said the shooting was a result of an argument that escalated.

Channel 2 reported Dewitt would have graduated this school year.

Police ask anyone with information relating to the case to call detectives at (770) 513-5300 or Crime Stoppers at (404) 577-8477.