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Whites Creek Football Honors Fallen Teammate - John Dunn
FOX 17 News – By: John Dunn
A teenage murder victim is being remembered.
19 year old Marcus McGee was shot to death during a robbing in North Nashville four months ago.
Now, he’s being honored by his former football teammates who have dedicated their season to McGee.
On most Friday night, football comes first.
But at Whites Creek High School, the memory of Marcus McGee precedes the game.
Marcus’ mother has been living with her loss for four months.
"Every single day, not one day goes by that I don't think about Marcus in some way or another," says Jacci McGee-Russell.
McGee was closing the Swifty Gas station on Dickerson Road when two masked men robbed him at gunpoint. The 19 year old was fatally shot once in the back.
The pain of Marcus’ death is still felt at Whites Creek.
"We'll be thinking about him every time we snap the football," says Whites Creek coach Anthony Law.
Before the game, the team retired Marcus’ jersey. #43 will never be worn by another player.
"He had a big heart, and he loved football, and he loved Whites Creek. So it's just unreal, still, to try to let it sink all in. I'm still trying to get to that point," says Jacci McGee-Russell.
A hill near one of the endzones is now painted with Marcus’ number. A banner in the bleachers bears his name.
"He's gone but his remembrance is still here," says player Courtney Broome.
"He was one of the kids that was out there doing the right thing, doing some of the things that we try to teach our kids to do right here at Whites Creek," says Coach Law.
Police are trying to solve Marcus’ murder, but they admit they’re short on suspects. Detectives hope the public can help.
"Regardless of how small a bit of information they think it is, it may be exactly what we need to put this case together," says Det. Danny Satterfield.
In the meantime, Whites Creek’s team will continue to play their games inspired by their former teammate.
Marcus’ mother knows he’d be proud.
“Even though he's not here, I think he's up in heaven just having a good old time, he's just elated. If he could say thank you, he'd say thank you so much," says Jacci McGee-Russell.
Marcus McGee’s twin brothers served as honorary captains for Friday night’s game against Hunters Lane.
If you have any information about this case, call Metro detectives at (615) 862-7901.
Whites Creek Football Honors Fallen Teammate - John Dunn
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