Friends, family hold vigil for teen allegedly strangled by boyfriend

NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. — Friends and family held a vigil Friday night for a teen who was found dead at her boyfriend’s home in Covington.

Alyssa Wright, 19, was found strangled to death Tuesday. Her boyfriend, 19-year-old Elijah Ramoutar, is charged with murder.

Dozens of people showed up to Alcovy High School in Newton County for a candlelight vigil and balloon release.

“Words don’t explain just how good it feels to know that this many people care about someone who meant so much to me,” Wright’s stepfather, Jonathan Andrews, said.

Friends said Wright and Ramoutar had been dating since January and there were no signs of trouble.

“He was gloating about being in college and how much he loved her and would take care of her,” Kimberly Van Dyne said.

While they mourn the loss of the young woman, friends hope the incident can be a wake-up call for those dealing with domestic violence.

“To anyone who is being abused, had no clue, you can get out of it. You just need to talk to someone because this never should have happened,” Jennifer Johnson said.

Family members said they hope no one else has to go through what they’re going through.

“Your loved ones can be gone in the blink of an eye and you’ll never even know,” Wright’s aunt, Phillis Ramey said.

The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses.

Cox Media Group