LEMON GROVE, Calif. (KGTV) - One year after a birthday party turned tragic, a memorial bench was dedicated in honor of a young life lost at a park in Lemon Grove.
Dozens of family, friends and classmates of Devin Griffiths gathered at Kunkel Park on Tuesday. Prayers were said, balloons were released, and a memorial bench was unveiled at the park where Devin often rode his scooter.
"A lot of people showed up. A lot of people loved him," said Lee Griffiths, Devin's father.
The money for the bench was raised by friends of the Helix High sophomore.
"I have no words. It's the coolest thing I've seen," said Griffiths.
The vigil marked a year after Devin's death. The 15-year-old was attending a birthday party on Maria Way in Chula Vista when a fight broke out outside. Police say Griffiths, who wasn't initially involved, tried to defend a friend who was being attacked. That is when he was stabbed. Weeks later, he died at the hospital.
"I raised Devin to stand up for his friends, to be a good kid and be there for his friends ... It got him killed," said Griffiths.
A year later, the case remains unsolved.
"A lot of crying. A lot of sadness," said Griffiths.
For Griffiths, the enduring heartache is mixed with frustration.
"I've seen plenty of photos with my son bleeding on ground with cellphones pointed at him, but no one has any video of the fight. No one has any real information," said Griffiths.
Griffiths believes someone knows something. He's hoping that someone will come forward.
"Please help me bring my son's killer to justice. My son was my everything," said Griffiths.
A $6,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest. Anyone with information is asked to call Chula Vista police at 619-691-5074.
Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477 or going to sdcrimestoppers.org.
