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'It's the Christian way': Internet split as Elijah DeWitt's parents and GF 'forgive' suspected killers

Elijah DeWitt was killed while he was out on a date with his girlfriend, Bailey Reidling, at the parking lot of Dave & Buster's in Lawrenceville

JEFFERSON, GEORGIA: Elijah DeWitt, an 18-year-old boy, was shot to death by Kenmare Bryan, 18, and Chandler Richardson, 19, as he was out on a date on Wednesday, October 5 with his girlfriend, Bailey Reidling, outside of the Sugarloaf Mills Mall in Lawrenceville in the parking lot of Dave & Buster's.

After the tragic incident, his mother, Dawn Erwitt, who spoke to 11Alive News, claimed, “Definitely the worst day of my life,” She then added, “His life just came completely to a screeching halt in seconds.”

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Meanwhile, in interaction with Fox News, Elijah's father, Craig, said, “Forgiveness is for the forgiver; we don't want the hate in this household," which indicates that the family has forgiven the killers already. Similarly, his girlfriend, Reidling, also said, "He said life moves on, it's sad, but you got to pick back up, and you can't be mad at anybody." His father also added, "If you could have a tragedy like this somewhere, I'd say this is it. Come here to have that one because it has just been an amazing community."

Furthermore, according to DailyMail, “Detectives are still working to investigate the motive behind this incident. It appears that the suspects and the victim were familiar with each other and when they encountered each other in the parking lot, an altercation took place and then the shooting,” Gwinnett Police Department said in a statement.

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign has also started for the funerals and memorials of the 'rising star.' The campaign note said, "As you know, we lost a shining star in Elijah DeWitt this week." It further added, "We have started this fundraiser so that everyone who wants to show love and support to Craig, Dawn, Delaney, and the entire family during this time will have a meaningful opportunity to help."

The note then suggested, "We are working toward an idea to honor Elijah and keep his memory alive and acknowledge that there are many needs in the coming months for friends and family of the DeWitts that you could directly impact. Craig, Dawn, Delaney, and the family are so grateful for the outpouring of support and love from friends and family." 

'Justice is not hate'

The Internet has gone in splits as the parents and girlfriend stated they have forgiven the killers. Jake Bequette tweeted, "This kid’s body isn’t even cold yet, and the parents and girlfriend are already falling all over themselves to forgive the murderers and move on? No righteous anger? What a pathetic, broken culture this is." Another user said, "People can't handle having more than one feeling at a time, hence need to stop hating so quick." "Yes, this pathetic broken culture is doomed," a user replied. A tweet read, "If that's really how they feel, then pay them no mind. We shouldn't be expected to care on their behalf." Another user claimed, "Isn’t that the Christian thing to do?." Meanwhile, Erick Erickson tweeted saying, "I think it’s the epitome of Christianity to forgive even someone who kills your loved one." A user suggested, "We could learn a lot from the parents and the girlfriend. Too bad their aren’t more people like them." However, a user stated, "There’s a time for anger and time for forgiveness. Forgiveness time will come but Jake’s correct they should still be angry and trying to make sense of what happened." Another tweet stated, "Totally agree. It's nuts. I was thinking maybe they were taken out of context or something? I would call for justice. Justice is not hate." 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.