Classmates and loved ones gathered in Stone Mountain on Friday to remember a Gwinnett County teenager who was murdered this week. Investigators say Paul Sampleton was shot and killed inside his Grayson home on Wednesday.
Friday's vigil was held at Wade Walker Park, where organizers said Sampleton learned about football and life.
Throughout the night, friends and teammates signed helmets jerseys and posters to show their love for the budding football player. Sampleton was on the freshman team at Grayson High School. He also played on recreation teams with Rock Chapel and Central DeKalb and an all-star team .
Paul's father and other family members were present but didn't speak publicly. They were comforted by a long string of friends are who were touched deeply by the family's loss.
"Our prayers go all out to his parents and we just all miss him right now," said Rohn Blackston, a friend of Paul.
Football teammates, high school classmates, neighbors attended the vigil, hoping that the family finds closure with the arrest of whoever took Paul's life, but also to remember the young man with a bright smile with lots of friends who made a big impact.
Organizers said that a memorial service is planned for next Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home in Lawrenceville. The funeral will be the next day in Macon at the Holsey Temple Church at 1:00 p.m.
A football scholarship has been established at Wells Fargo Bank in Paul Sampleton's name for future football players
Gwinnett County police are looking into the possibility that Sampleton was killed over tennis shoes. A friend says Paul was an avid shoe collector and traded them on the internet. Police say they are not identifying that as the motive, but it is one of the things they are investigating.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:31 AM EDT2013-05-23 12:31:23 GMT
Later today, Georgia State Rep. Tyrone Brooks is expected to speak publicly about his recent arrest on fraud and tax charges. Brooks was arraigned in federal court on Wednesday.
Later today, Georgia State Rep. Tyrone Brooks is expected to speak publicly about his recent arrest on fraud and tax charges. Brooks was arraigned in federal court on Wednesday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:32 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:32:32 GMT
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It's also a great time to thank veterans for their service to our country—veterans just like World War II American hero Lew Fern.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:56 AM EDT2013-05-23 04:56:30 GMT
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:55:59 GMT
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home.
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home. Just one day later, some of her family members were in Oklahoma near where the tornado hit.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:50 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:50:14 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
