A former University of Georgia football player has been convicted in federal court in an attempted armed robbery at a RaceTrac gas station that led to the shooting death of an Oconee County man.
Ahkil Nasir Crumpton, 26, of Philadelphia, who played wide receiver for UGA during the 2017 and 2018 seasons, was found guilty Wednesday of one count of interference with commerce by attempted robbery and one count of false statement during the purchase of a firearm.
Besides the federal charges, Crumpton also is charged with murder under state law in the death of store clerk Elijah Wood.
According to court documents and evidence presented at the federal trial, Crumpton entered the gas station and convenience store in Watkinsville after midnight in March 2021, pointed a pistol at Wood, who was standing behind the counter, and fired one round at close range. Wood died at the scene.
Wood’s girlfriend testified at the trial that he was on a FaceTime call with her when he was shot.
Crumpton then ran out of the store without taking any money or merchandise.
Crumpton was arrested in Philadelphia in March of last year by FBI and U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives agents following a lengthy investigation.
“No matter today’s outcome, there is no returning Elijah Wood to his family and friends,” U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary said Wednesday. “Pursuing justice in this case was challenging and lengthy, but ultimately the dedicated collaboration of investigators and prosecutors prevailed.”
Crumpton faces up to 20 years in prison for the attempted robbery and up to 10 years behind bars for the firearm charge. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
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