An 18-year-old found stabbed to death at a Suwanee apartment complex was a 2020 graduate of North Gwinnett High School, according to a family friend.
Officers were called to the Residences at McGinnis Ferry shortly before 9 a.m. Monday, Suwanee police Lt. Robert Thompson said. They found William “Slade” Petty dead from what appeared to be multiple stab wounds, Thompson said.
Petty lived at the complex, police said Tuesday.
Investigators with the Gwinnett County police department and sheriff’s office assisted with the investigation and search for a suspect, along with the District Attorney’s Office, Thompson said.
No suspect information could be released Monday due to the nature of the investigation, Thompson said. The investigation continued Tuesday.
“We do not believe this was a random attack,” he told AJC.com.
The homicide is the first in Suwanee since 2012, when a double homicide and then a suicide took place at the same complex, according to police.
A GoFundMe page was created by a family friend to assist the teen’s family.
“Slade was one of our boys — he grew up here and was a 2020 graduate of North Gwinnett HS,” the fundraiser’s organizer posted online. “Slade leaves behind his mother Kelley who is a very talented and adored hairstylist — all who know her are friends. Kelley needs our prayers, our comfort, and a lot of support. We know our town and know our people will step up.”
Anyone who may have information about the incident is asked to contact Suwanee police Sgt. Byun at 470-360-6735.
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