Police seek suspects in shooting death of Hayward teen

HAYWARD, Calif. (KTVU) -- Police are asking for help tracking down three teenage suspects who shot and killed a Hayward high school student out walking early Tuesday morning, a police sergeant said.

The incident happened around 1 a.m. near Arf Avenue and Morningside. Hayward Police said the 17-yearold and a female friend were walking in the area when they encountered three men and a confrontatoin ensued.

The 17-year-old was shot and killed. The three male suspects drove off in a grey or silver SUV. Police described the suspects as Hispanic men ranging from 17 to 18 years old.

Longtime friends of the victim said he was named Kionta and he had just graduated from Mt. Eden High School. A Hayward Unified District spokeswoman said the teen was on the football team for two years and on the wrestling team for three.

"He was always filled with joy," friend George Dib said. "He was always happy. He knew what to do to make you laugh. It shouldn't have happened to him."

Police said the victim was in the process of joining the armed forces.

"If he wasn't at wrestling practice he was over at the Marines doing what he can," Reymond Pardini said.

The U.S. Marine Corps. confirmed the 17-year-old was actively trying to join, but hadn't finished testing. They said he had a positive attitude and a passion to help others, qualities representative of a Marine.

"It's upsetting to hear if it happens to anybody, but somebody as good hearted and positive as this person was... the whole thing is a travesty and a tragedy in my opinion," Gunnary Sgt. Scott Wormuth said.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Hayward Police Department at (510) 293-7034.