Three candles sit in front of a decorated holiday tree with three simple words written on them: Rest Easy Justice.
It has been one year since Justice Afoa’s life was taken away and Newark police are still searching for those responsible for his death.
The 17-year-old was near a bus stop on Cedar Boulevard near Birch Street around 3:40 p.m. on Dec. 15, 2010.
There have been no arrests in the case.
“[The case is] still a priority with leads being followed up on. [I] cannot comment any further in order not to jeopardize the case,” said Commander Robert Douglas of the Newark Police Department.
At the time of his death, as a high school senior who was friendly, loving, playful and positive.
His mother, Suvania Afoa, described him as her “right hand” in .
"He was too young. He had a bright future ahead of him,” Suvania Afoa has said.
His ultimate dream, his mother said, was to make it to the NFL.
The former Newark Memorial High School student was a defensive lineman who was dedicated to the team even when he wasn't eligible to play due to his course work at.
He was named to the second-team all-league in the Mission Valley Athletic League in 2009-10.
Newark Memorial Athletic Director Rich Swift has said the entire football team always appreciated Afoa’s positive attitude.
"He was a good guy," Swift . "If you were around him, you just felt better. He was positive, happy-go-lucky and playful."
Before coming to Newark during his sophomore year, Afoa attended .
Afoa’s former English teacher Kelly Redmon from Carlmont High said Afoa was a admirable.
“Justice is someone to admire. He's a hero that deserves a hero's honor. No doubt, he will be missed.
