Mar 4, 2008 9:04 pm US/Pacific
Vigil Held For Slain Teen Football Star
LOS ANGELES (AP) ―
Hundreds of people have attended a candlelight vigil in Los Angeles to remember a 17-year-old high school football star that was gunned down in what police said was a random, unprovoked gang attack.
Friends, relatives and teachers of Jamiel Andre Shaw stood on the sidewalk in the Crenshaw area Tuesday where the teen was shot, just a few yards from his home. They spoke fondly of his athletic prowess and good sense of humor.
As a junior, the standout player rushed for more than 1,000 yards last year, scored 11 touchdowns, returned punts and kickoffs and played defensive back, the Los Angeles Times reported. Jamiel was also recognized as the Southern League's MVP last year and was an invitational All-City first-team selection.
"He was a very special kid," Williams told the Los Angeles Times. "Not only was he an outstanding athlete, he was a good person. I've never seen Jamiel mad. He had such a big smile."
Jamiel's mother, Anita Shaw, is a sergeant in the Army serving her second tour of duty in Iraq. She was reported to be on her way back to the Southland in the aftermath of her son's slaying.
Jamiel was walking home and less than three blocks away when two males got out of their car and issued a gang challenge, asking him "Where you from?" When he didn't respond, they shot him. Jamiel was on a cell phone with his girlfriend, Chrystale Miles, when he was gunned down, the Times reported.
His father heard the gunfire from his home and ran outside to find his son on the ground. Jamiel was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
The gunmen were only described as Latino males, and were last seen driving a white compact sedan north on Fifth Avenue.
Investigators believed the murder was not racially motivated, although it was gang motivated.
Anyone with more information can call detectives at the Wilshire Station at (213) 473-0446 during office hours or 1-877-LAW-FULL anytime.
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