Murder trial begins for man accused of killing RaceTrac clerk Elijah Wood
WATKINSVILLE — Elijah Wood, a 23-year-old gas station clerk at RaceTrac, was shot and killed in March 2021 while covering a shift for a sick co-worker. On Monday, prosecutors described his actions as a noble job during the opening statements of the trial for the man accused of his murder. Wood was reportedly standing alone behind the counter around 1:15 a.m. when a man dressed in black entered the store. The assailant pointed a gun at Wood's chest and fired, as stated by federal Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison. Morrison indicated that the shooting was an act of violence that shocked the community. The trial is expected to reveal further details about the incident, including evidence and witness testimonies. The prosecution aims to establish a clear narrative of the events leading up to Wood's tragic death. As the trial unfolds, the focus will be on the actions of the accused and the impact of the crime on the local community.