Arrest made in murder of DeKalb County high school football star

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An arrest has been made in the murder of a beloved DeKalb County high school football player. 

Detavion McDay, 18, has been charged with the murder of Trevon Richardson, who was shot and killed outside an apartment complex Monday night. 

Richardson, a Cedar Grove High School football star, was murdered just days after his graduation. The victim's father said he allowed his son to hang out with friends Monday night when, according to police, the 18-year-old was gunned down outside the Life at Peppertree Circle apartments off Columbia and Flat Shoals Parkway. Police said numerous individuals fled the scene.

Police did not initially reveal a motive for the crime, but the family told FOX 5 News the teenager's graduation money was missing.

"Our detectives were able to connect the dots and drum up some good leads and that's how we got the arrest. The motive looks like robbery and it is possible there could be other arrests as the investigation continues," said Major K.D. Johnson, DeKalb County Police Department South Precinct.

McDay was taken into custody early Thursday morning, just before 12:30 a.m. He's being held at the DeKalb County Jail. 

Hundreds gathered at a vigil Wednesday night to pay their respects.

"The kid was preparing to go to college. Now we are preparing for a funeral," said head football coach Jimmy Smith.

Smith said Richardson brought enthusiasm to the field as a wide receiver and inspired his teammates to dream big after high school.

"I'm glad there's been an arrest because I feel better than I have in several days getting a little bit of closure, but it's also sad to hear he's 18. Our community needs to pull together and we need to help these young guys out there who are having trouble. Every year after graduation, it's the same thing. Murder or jail. This has got to stop," said Freddie Richardson, who was looking forward to taking his son to Valdosta State for college in the fall.

MORE: DeKalb County high school football star murdered