Parents of murdered high school football star sue Georgia mall where he was shot

The parents of a murdered high school football star are suing the mall where he was shot dead alleging 'dangerous and hazardous conditions'.

Elijah DeWitt, 18, was killed in the parking lot of a Dave & Buster's outside of the Sugarloaf Mills Mall in Lawrenceville, Georgia, on October 5 last year while on a date with his girlfriend, Bailey Reidling.

His parents, Dawn and Craig DeWitt, have now filed a suit that accuses the mall's owners of ignoring safety hazards that contributed to their son's death.

The suit said the mall was aware of 'dangerous and hazardous conditions' and 'negligently represented to its invitees that the [premises] were properly maintained and reasonably safe'.

Police arrested Kemare Bryan, 18, and Chandler Richardson, 19, in South Carolina two days after the murder and they were charged with malice and felony murder, possession of a firearm and aggravated assault. They deny the charges.

Elijah DeWitt, 18, was shot dead in the parking lot of a Dave & Buster's outside of the Sugarloaf Mills Mall in Lawrenceville on October 5 2022

DeWitt's parents have filed a lawsuit against the mall where he was killed in October last year

DeWitt was on a date with his girlfriend Bailey Reidling at the time of his death. In a 911 call, Reidling can be heard screaming in the background

The shooting happened after an altercation between the group and police said at the time 'the suspects and the victim were familiar with each other'. 

The DeWitts' lawsuit names Simon Property Group, Sugarloaf Mills Limited Partnership, Universal Protection Service, the mall’s security director Jason Choy, Dave & Buster’s of Georgia and five John Does as defendants.

The family has asked for damages on claims of failure to keep the premises safe, allowing and maintaining a nuisance, voluntary undertaking, and negligent hiring, training, supervision and retention. 

Lawyer Michael Rafi told the New York Post: 'When businesses know that their property is dangerous … they have two options: one, warn visitors, so they know about the danger and can make an educated decision about whether to go to the property, or two … take reasonable safety measures to protect customers who are unaware of the danger.

'These Defendants did not warn or keep people safe.'

DeWitt's parents added: 'This is not the dream we had for our son, instead it has become a daily nightmare that we are unable to wake up from. 

'We are constantly reminded of the opportunities and moments that were taken away from him and sincerely hope that we can use our voices to help bring about some change that will prevent another family from experiencing this in the future.'

DeWitt was on a date with his girlfriend, Bailey Reidling, at the time of his death. In a 911 emergency call, Reidling can be heard screaming in the background.

'I was at Dave & Buster's, I heard people screaming, I look towards my right, and I see someone lay down,' a person said in the 911 call. 'I've never seen anything like this, man.'

DeWitt's mother paid tribute to her son after his death and said he was dedicated to football and strived to be number one.

'He loved football, he was ready and willing to do whatever it takes to go D1, that was his ultimate goal,' she said.

A 911 caller said he saw DeWitt on the ground following the shooting. His girlfriend was heard screaming in the background

Police arrested Kemare Bryan, 18, and Chandler Richardson, 19, in South Carolina two days after the murder

The pair have been dating for more than four years. Reidling said she can't fathom the reality of what happened

Dawn DeWitt said the day Elijah died was the worst day of her life. Pictured: The DeWwitt family

The family also forgave his killers. Craig DeWitt said: 'Forgiveness is for the forgiver. We don't want the hate in this household.'

Reidling mourned her boyfriend of more than four years in a heartfelt tribute days after he died in front of her.

'They say you aren't suppose to question God - but damn,' Reidling wrote. I never thought I would be having to write this. Baby, I know you couldn't help what happened but damn why'd you leave me.

'We had so much planned & so much to look forward to, I just don't understand. I don't think I will ever understand. None of this is real to me yet, so I feel like I'm stuck.'

She added: 'Elijah was a light, he wasn't a man of many words but every room he walked into he made his presence. He made me a stronger person. he made me want to be better. He made me proud as hell to be his girlfriend.'