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Friends of slain Helix High School student working to build permanent memorial for him

Posted at 11:53 AM, Feb 19, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-24 19:35:31-05

LA MESA, Calif. (KGTV) -- Friends of a Helix Charter High School student who was killed at a party last month are working to build a permanent memorial for him.

Devin Griffiths, 15, died after being stabbed during a birthday party in Chula Vista on Jan. 31. Chula Vista police said the teen was trying to help a friend who was attacked after a fight erupted.

According to police, the teen suffered stab wounds to his upper body and died at the hospital on Feb. 16.

Police said a group consisting of 8 to 15 men and women between age 17-20 is suspected in the incident.

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News of Devin’s death hit his friends hard, especially because they described him as someone who was always doing the right things.

“Devin was strong and stood up for what he thought was right, and that cost him his life … he didn’t deserve that,” said Bella Santos, Devin’s friend since middle school.

To honor Devin, his friends are hoping to raise enough money to name a bench after him at a park near his house in La Mesa.

Bella said, “We want to have a spot where we can go and remember Devin, somewhere where he loves to be.”

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The friends say it is a way of turning their attention to something positive instead of dwelling on the enormous loss they must now live with.

Devin’s friends have organized a candlelight vigil that will be held on the Helix High campus at around 5:30 p.m.

A GoFundMe has been set up to raise money for the bench.