$12K reward offered in hit-and-run that killed NFL player’s brother

Richard Bartlett III (right) was the younger brother of Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt. He was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Johns Creek last month.

Credit: Instagram

Credit: Instagram

Richard Bartlett III (right) was the younger brother of Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt. He was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Johns Creek last month.

Authorities in Johns Creek are now offering a $12,000 reward for information on a hit-and-run that killed the brother of an NFL veteran and the son of a Gwinnett County deputy last month.

The family of Richard Bartlett III added an additional $10,000 to the $2,000 reward offered by Crime Stoppers for information leading to an arrest in the fatal crash, according to the Johns Creek Police Department.

“We are asking for any information about the vehicle or driver responsible for the hit-and-run that resulted in the death,” the police department said in a Facebook post.

Bartlett, 23, died after he was struck by a car while trying to secure a mattress and box spring to the top of a vehicle along McGinnis Ferry Road about 9:30 p.m. on June 2.

The family of the victim, Richard Bartlett III, with the City of Johns Creek Police Department is requesting the...

Posted by Johns Creek Police Department on Saturday, July 3, 2021

Witnesses told officers the vehicle that struck Bartlett was a dark-colored four-door sedan, possibly a black BMW. Investigators believe the vehicle suffered damage to the right bumper and hood, windshield and passenger-side door.

Bartlett was the brother of Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt, who attended Notre Dame and played high school football at Monroe Area High in Walton County. Tuitt, who was selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft, has played seven seasons with the Steelers.

Bartlett’s mother, Tamara Bartlett, is a deputy with the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office, the agency confirmed.

The hit-and-run remains under investigation. Anyone with information about the case or the driver involved is asked to call Johns Creek police at 470-774-3358 or email Investigator Alexander Hennessee at alexander.hennessee@johnscreekga.gov.