Hundreds gathered to pay their respects to a beloved Cedar Grove High football star Trevon Richardson, murdered just days after his graduation.

The 18-year-old had planned to attend Valdosta State University on a football scholarship when police said Monday night the teenager was shot and killed outside a DeKalb County apartment complex.

The ordeal rocked the Cedar Grove high community, where Trevon's mother worked as a registrar, and the teenager was a star athlete on the football, track and basketball teams and was a popular and well-liked student.

"I want justice for my son. He didn't deserve this," said tearful father Freddie Richardson.

Richardson told FOX 5 News he allowed his son to hang out with friends Monday night when police said the 18-year-old was gunned down outside the Life at Peppertree Circle apartments off Columbia and Flat Shoals Parkway. Police said numerous individuals fled the scene.

Police did not reveal a motive for the crime, but the family told FOX 5 News the teenager's graduation money was missing.


"The kid was preparing to go to college. Now we are preparing for a funeral," said head football coach Jimmy Smith, who said he treated Trevon and his other teammates like his own sons. He said Trevon brought enthusiasm to the field as a wide receiver and inspired his teammates to dream big after high school.

"Cedar Grove is like family," Coach Smith said.

Police said they are working leads to track down the suspects.