The aunt of a 15-year-old boy who died Monday afternoon in Hillcrest Heights, Md., says he may have been killed for his shoes.
"There's little rough boys around here a little jealous because [others] got things and they don't," Laurice Massey told News4's Erika Gonzalez.
Police have identified the victim as Charles Michael Walker, Jr., a freshman at Suitland High School.
Massey said her nephew was headed to a bus stop when he was killed, and wasn't the kind of teen who got into trouble.
"I was in the house asleep, and my sister called me and said her son is laying on the ground," Massey said.
Prince George's County Police received a call around 4:20 p.m. Monday and found Walker laying on the ground in the 4000 block of 28th Avenue, with trauma to the upper body. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police are investigating his death as a homicide. Walker was the fifth student killed in Prince George’s County this school year alone.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of one of our students," read a statement from Prince George's County Public Schools. "These senseless acts of violence against our children are becoming all too familiar and far too common. We extend our deepest condolences to the student’s family and friends during this very difficult time. Grief counselors will be available to assist our students, teachers and staff for as long as it is necessary."
Police say they have leads but declined to elaborate.
Anyone with information about the death should call police at 301-772-4925 or make anonymous tips to Crime Solvers by calling 866-411-TIPS/8477, texting "PGPD" and the tip to CRIMES/274637 or online here.
Stay with News4 and NBCWashington.com for updates as they become available.
ALSO SEE:
- Two Charged in Death of Md. Teen
- Mother, Police Renew Effort to Find Teen's Killer
- Funeral Today for Teen Shot on Way to School
- Dozens Attend Amber Stanley Fundraiser
- Teens on Edge After Recent Student Deaths
- Mother Remembers Slain Teen
Photo Credit: NBCWashington.com