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Devin Griffiths: Reward offered for tips on stabbing death of teen during Chula Vista party

Devin Griffiths
Posted at 10:17 AM, Aug 13, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-13 14:05:48-04

CHULA VISTA, Calif. (CNS) - Authorities Thursday announced a $6,000 reward for information in connection with the January stabbing death of a teenage boy during a fight in Chula Vista.

Devin Griffiths, 15, was at a birthday party in the 900 block of Maria Way when a fight between two other teens broke out around 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 31, according to Chula Vista police.

At one point during the fight, Griffiths -- who was not initially involved in the argument -- jumped in to help a friend who was being attacked by several young men, police said. Griffiths was then stabbed multiple times in the upper body and fell to the ground.

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He was taken to UCSD Medical Center, where he died on Feb. 16.

The group of suspects fled in at least two unknown vehicles.

Investigators were attempting to contact all attendees of the party to gather information on the suspects.

The suspect group consisted of roughly eight to 15 people, mostly young men but also several women. They were all described as white or Hispanic and believed to be between 17 and 20 years old.

The victim's family has pledged a $5,000 reward, in addition to a $1,000 reward from Crime Stoppers, for information that leads to an arrest in the case.

Lee Griffiths said of his son's death, "My world was taken away. My heart is crushed."

Griffiths added, "When I saw my son the hospital, both of his hands and knuckles were broken open, which tells me he fought these guys. And I'm very proud of him and angry with him at the same time."

Police have been trying to interview witnesses and other attendees at the party. They hope the reward encourages more people to come forward, and they're also looking for cell phone or surveillance footage of the incident.

"I'm really hoping that somebody will come and do the right thing," said Griffiths. "I need justice for my son, Devin's friends need justice. Devin's friends need justice. My family needs justice."

Anyone with information, video of the fight or working exterior cameras in the 900 block of Maria Way was 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.