Teenager killed on basketball court over a football, witnesses say

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Friends said a man accused of killing a teenager over a football went crazy before the gunfire.

Family and friends of 18-year-old Ezekial Smith placed a memorial at the playground of the Smoke Creek Mobile Home near the spot "Zeke" was shot and killed.

Investigators told Channel 2 Action News the shooting happened Wednesday evening.

Quentin Wearwood, Smith's friend, said he heard five to six gunshots around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday.

"It was my friend on the ground and I ran to him," Wearwood said.

Witnesses told investigators the two were arguing about a football when Robert Jennings, 31, pulled out a gun and shot Smith.

"He basically just went crazy and he left, but he came back," said witness Dylan Bowen.

"I think he was just trying to get the ball back from them, but I don't think it was his kids' ball," said neighbor Mike Nelson.

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Smith suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died en route to the hospital.

Neighbors and witnesses said they did not know Jennings well, but he is the father to two young boys who were with him that night. After the shooting, Jennings ran and witnesses saw him get into his car and drive up the street.

Gwinnett police said Jennings turned himself in to police headquarters Thursday morning. He is now facing murder charges while friends, family and neighbors try to understand why Jennings allegedly killed Smith.

Detectives obtained warrants against Jennings for aggravated assault and felony murder.

Detectives believe there are additional witnesses who have not come forward.

Anyone with information to share in this case should contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300.  To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS

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