BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — Friday night lights carried a heavier meaning for the North High School Stars as the team took the field for a CIF playoff game just days after the shooting death of former player William Aviles.
A 16-year-old boy was shot and killed at a large party in southwest Bakersfield early in the morning on Halloween. CREDIT: KNN.NEWS, GoFundMe
“It’s just sad. It’s really sad that kids can’t go and enjoy themselves because there’s always something happening. And it’s just really devastating actually,” said Veronica Slavens, identified as a North High grandmother.
Police said Aviles, 16, was shot and killed Oct. 31 near a large party in the 3500 block of South Half Moon Drive in Bakersfield. Officers found him with major injuries, police said. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
“We were heartbroken. He’s such a great kid. He was friends with all the boys on the team. We just adored him and his family. It was a shock to our community,” said Timari Duty, a football mom.
A 16-year-old boy was shot and killed at a large party in southwest Bakersfield early in the morning on Halloween. CREDIT: KNN.NEWS
Aviles played football at North High School. On Friday, the Stars played their first CIF playoff game since his death.
“They’re just out there for their boy this game, you know, to just be there for him and support his family. And, you know, they love him and they’re just going to show off for him tonight,” Duty said.
In a social media post, the North High School football team announced Aviles’ death, saying in part, “His life, memory, and impact will never be forgotten.”
A GoFundMe fundraiser was also set up to help Aviles’ family, saying in part, “Good people outnumber those who cause harm by a great margin.”
Duty said she did not know Aviles’ mother well but said, “I do know that she supported the kids a lot. She was always out here for them.” She added, “So we’re just here to support her and love on her as best we can and hopefully, you know, she can get through this.”
The Bakersfield Police Department is asking any bystanders who witnessed or recorded the deadly shooting that happened on Halloween on South Half Moon Drive to submit it to the department. PHOTO: BPD
Police said investigators are still working to identify who is responsible for Aviles’ death and believe people who attended the party may have information that could help solve the case. No arrests have been made.
The Kern Secret Witness Program is offering up to $20,000 for information leading to an arrest and prosecution in Aviles’ homicide. Anyone with information was asked to call the Bakersfield Police Department or Kern Secret Witness.