PHOENIX — The Ahwatukee community is heartbroken over the murder of a teen boy.
Dozens of people gathered for a candlelight vigil outside of Chandler Regional Medical Center in memory of 15-year-old Jaylen Reeves.
“He was a light in all of our lives," his uncle, Ceth Reeves, said.
Family, friends, teammates and coaches of the Mountain Pointe High School football player all took turns sharing their grief and memories with Reeves.
“He connected all of us through his love. He’s loved us, he’ll continue to love us and we’ll continue to love him and he’ll never be forgotten," Ceth Reeves said.
Jaylen Reeves was stabbed to death early Saturday morning.
Phoenix police said the teen was hanging out with his friends at a park near 40th Street and Chandler Boulevard when a fight broke out on Nov. 16 with people they did not know.
Phoenix police said on Nov. 20 that detectives have identified the teen involved in the stabbing. The teen has provided a statement to investigators but no arrests have been made at this time.
Friends of Reeves showed up to the area where he was stabbed to lay flowers and pray at a growing memorial near the park.
"We love him and we came out to show support," said one of his friends.
"He's very empathetic, that's why a lot of people have strong bonds with him because he's someone you can open up to talk to even listen to," said another.
Ceth Reeves told 12News he had a strong connection with his nephew and never took a moment for granted.
"He had the best hair, the best smile," Ceth Reeves said. "He was so good at football."
In his last act of kindness, the family announced Jaylen Reeves is donating his healthy organs to save other lives.
“He’d always protect us. He’d protect his friends and in this way he’s protecting somebody else’s life," Ceth Reeves said.
During the vigil, the Reeves family said they will not rest until the person responsible is brought to justice.
Police are asking anyone with information or video of the fight to share it with detectives or Silent Witness.
The family created a GoFundMe page to help pay for memorial costs. Click here to donate.
Community members are encouraged to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS with any information that may lead to an arrest or provide a better understanding of what took place.
Also, police are asking community members who have surveillance video to look for "anything suspicious" to provide that video and information to police.
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