Trial of former UGA football player accused of Watkinsville Racetrac murder postponed until fall

Akhil Nasim Crumpton

By Joe Johnson

The trial of the man accused of killing Elijah Wood while he worked at a RaceTrac convenience store in Oconee County in 2021 has been pushed back to November 10.

Former Georgia Bulldog Akhil Crumpton had been scheduled to begin trial for the murder next month, but a new date was set based on the availability of attorneys and the expected length of the trial.

The 27-year-old former UGA wide receiver last year was convicted on federal charges related to the March 18, 2021 slaying of Wood at the Watkinsville RaceTrac.

Following a three-day trial in U.S. District Court in Athens in March 2024, Crumpton was found guilty of interference with commerce by attempted robbery and making false statement during the purchase of a firearm.

He was given the maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment.

Elijah Wood

An Oconee County grand jury had previously indicted Crumpton for felony murder, aggravated assault, criminal attempt to commit armed robbery and possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

The defendant has been housed at the Clarke County Jail in Athens.