ATHENS, Ga. — A former University of Georgia wide receiver has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for his involvement in a deadly gas station robbery in Oconee County. Ahkil Crumpton, 26, was convicted last year for crimes related to the robbery, including interference with commerce by attempted robbery and false statement during the purchase of a firearm.
Crumpton’s sentencing comes after the March 2021 killing of 23-year-old Elijah Wood, a RaceTrac worker who was shot and killed during the robbery attempt. Although facing state murder charges for Wood’s death, Crumpton will serve his federal sentence prior to any future trial.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, surveillance footage captured Crumpton approaching Wood, who was working behind the counter, wearing a face covering, dark clothing, and football gloves. Crumpton then allegedly pointed a Glock 19 pistol at Wood and fired one round at close range, fatally striking him in the chest. Witnesses testified that Wood’s girlfriend was on a FaceTime call with him during the incident.
Following the shooting, Crumpton fled the store without taking any money or merchandise. Authorities later located a 9mm shell casing from the counter at the scene. Almost a year after Wood’s killing, Crumpton was arrested in Philadelphia, where he was also allegedly involved in the armed robbery and killing of another man.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary expressed condolences to Wood’s family and the Oconee County community, stating, “Ahkil Crumpton’s violent crime ended Elijah Wood’s young life and has been the cause of immeasurable pain to many people…Our hope is the conclusion of the federal case offers some peace for all those who have been affected by this tragedy.”
Crumpton currently remains held at the Athens-Clarke County Jail with a hold from U.S. Marshals. No trial date for the state murder charges has been set at this time.