Family of 21-year-old woman fatally shot in parking lot brings attention to domestic violence

ATLANTA (WANF/Gray News) - The family of a 21-year-old woman is bringing attention to domestic violence after she was gunned down in a Georgia parking lot. They hope to save others from experiencing a similar heartbreak.

Elajia Whitley, 21, was rising in life, her family says, before she was found dead in a car Friday afternoon at a shopping center in Duluth. Gwinnett County police say she was the victim of a domestic violence shooting.

“Elajia has always resonated light, and the light that she was resonating came from her heart,” said Alfred Uzomah, Elajia’s stepfather.

“She was always laughing and smiling and just being silly and enjoying life and the people around her, friends and family and coworkers,” said Davontay Whitley, Elajia’s brother.

No one is in custody yet in relation to Elajia Whitley’s death, but her family believes she was killed by her partner, saying they knew she had been in a tough relationship and had even taken out protective orders against him.

“Elajia, it’s so many beautiful things that you can say about her,” said Rhoda Alexander, Elajia’s aunt. “Unfortunately, the person that took her life didn’t see that. He didn’t see the beauty in her. He didn’t see the love that her family surrounded her with. If he did, he was jealous of that.”

Elajia Whitley’s family is filled with emotion over her loss. The 21-year-old had two jobs and a phlebotomy certificate. She had also been going to school to become a surgery tech.

“I feel like a part of me is missing right now,” Davontay Whitley said. “I thought she would be here forever. But it’s just sad.”

“It’s hard news to process, especially someone who was just starting their life off as a young adult,” said Axel Alberto, Elajia’s brother-in-law.

The family also says Elajia Whitley’s death is a message for others going through relationships that involve domestic violence to speak up.

“Let your family members know. Let your friends know. Let your coworkers know. Make everybody aware of it around you, so you can get help,” Alexander said.

“Anybody that goes through domestic violence, don’t give it a second chance. Don’t give it a second thought. Leave,” said Gerald Johnson, Elajia’s older cousin.

Elajia Whitley worked at the BioLife Plasma Services center along Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth. A memorial with flowers stands outside the building.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life of our colleague, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones who have been affected,” said BioLife in a statement. “We are committed to the wellbeing of our employees and will continue to provide support to those affected and grieving.”

Editor’s Note: If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233 or text BEGIN to 88688. You can also talk to a real person online here.