Cededrion Jerrod Whitlock, a 19-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on March 7, 2021, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Cededrion was a senior at Jack Britt High School, where he was actively involved in sports, particularly football. He was known for his playful nature, love for dancing, and dedication to his family and friends.
Growing up in Virginia, he attended church with his family and participated in the children's choir and praise dance team.
On the night of his death, Cededrion left his home around 7:30 p.m. to meet up with a friend. At approximately 8:17 p.m., police were called to the 2800 block of Blockade Runner Drive, near his home, following reports of gunshots. Despite canvassing the area and speaking to neighbors, the police found no evidence of a shooting at that time. It wasn't until the following morning that Cededrion's father, Cedric Whitlock, discovered his son's body lying beside a neighbor's house, just yards from their home on Windjammer Circle.
Cededrion had been shot and managed to run three blocks before collapsing and succumbing to his injuries. His death has left a profound impact on his family, friends, and the community. His mother, Amanda Smith, and stepmother, Dawn Whitlock, have both expressed their grief and the difficulty of coping with the loss. Cededrion was the oldest of seven siblings, and his death has been particularly hard on his younger brothers and sisters.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with Cededrion Whitlock's murder. The Fayetteville Police Department has faced criticism from the family for their handling of the case. Cedric Whitlock has voiced his frustration with the lack of updates and communication from the lead detective. The family continues to seek justice for Cededrion and hopes that his killer will eventually be brought to justice.
The investigation into Cededrion's death remains ongoing, and the family has held memorials and vigils to honor his memory. They have also faced additional heartbreak as the memorial dedicated to Cededrion in their neighborhood was vandalized, with the cross bearing his name and picture being stolen. The community continues to rally around the Whitlock family, offering support and seeking answers in the wake of this tragic loss.
