Former Georgia football player Ahkil Crumpton found guilty on state charges in 2021 murder of store clerk

Former Georgia football player Ahkil Crumpton has been found guilty on state charges in the 2021 murder of a store clerk, according to WSB-TV. The incident occurred in Oconee County.

Crumpton was convicted on two counts of felony murder and two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, as well as attempted robbery and aggravated assault. His sentencing is set for Wednesday.

Police said Crumpton walked into a RaceTrac gas station in Watkinsville, Ga. in March 2021 and shot Elijah Wood, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Crumpton was also found guilty in a 2024 federal trial related to the shooting.

“While no verdict can undo the heartbreaking loss suffered, our hearts remain with Elijah’s family and loved ones, and we hope today’s decision brings a measure of justice, closure, and peace as they continue to heal‚” the Oconee County Sheriff’s said in a statement, via WSB-TV.

Crumpton played football at Georgia in 2017 and 2018, but was not longer on the roster as of 2019. He attended the University of Georgia through 2021 but did not graduate.

According to testimony during the federal trial, during which he was sentenced to 30 years in prison, Crumpton allegedly entered the RaceTrac with his face covered and was wearing black from head-to-toe. He also appeared to be wearing football gloves. Crumpton then left the store after seeing there was another customer, before returning around 1:15 a.m.

Upon his return, Crumpton approached the counter and raised a Glock 19 pistol at Wood, testimony showed. He fired a single shot, hitting Wood in the chest and killing him.

From there, Crumpton returned to his apartment, where he lived with roommate Juwan Taylor, who also played football at Georgia. According to a release, Crumpton appeared distressed when he returned and still had the gun in his hand.

“I didn’t mean to do it – I just wanted the money, I just shot him at the store, at the store,” Crumpton said at the time, according to the release.

In Summer 2021, months after the initial shooting, Ahkil Crumpton returned to his hometown of Philadelphia. While there, he was involved in an armed robbery, firing 13 shots and killing a man who attempted to rob him, according to the release. Federal law enforcement then confirmed a ballistics match showed the shell casings from that scene, the RaceTrac shooting and the Glock 19 found in Crumpton’s possession when he was arrested.