A 17-year-old high school football star who was killed in Newark on Wednesday afternoon was remembered fondly by a former coach.
Justice Afoa was stabbed to death while he waiting for a bus ride home. His mother told reporters she was supposed to pick him up but was delayed by a traffic accident.
Newark Memorial High School athletic director Rich Swift said in addition to his athletic ability, Afoa was known for his upbeat attitude.
"He was a good guy," Swift told Bay City News. "If you were around him, you just felt better. He was positive, happy-go-lucky and playful."
Afoa dreamed of playing college football, Swift said.
Afoa was attacked at about 3:40 p.m. Wednesday near the intersection of Cedar Boulevard and Birch Street in Newark. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The corner has become a makeshift memorial where Afoa's friends have gathered to share their grief. Click here for a guest book to send condolences to the family.
The only description of the person who stabbed Afoa was two men in black clothing, including hooded sweatshirts.
Anyone with information about the stabbing is asked to call Detective Sgt. Mike Carroll at (510) 578-4247 or the anonymous witness hotline at (510) 578-4000, ext. 500.
Bay City News
