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NEW YORK (FOX5NY.COM) - Rodrick Richey said his heart is broken in pieces. In an exclusive interview with Fox 5, the grieving father spoke of his son Justin, who was shot five times Sunday night in East New York—the day after his 16th birthday. Rodrick said Justin was an excellent kid who loved everybody.
Police said that Justin, better known in the neighborhood as "Chuck," got into an argument with three men near Blake Avenue and Pine Street when at least one of them pulled out a gun and shot him in the chest, back, stomach, and ribs. Investigators are still trying to determine if this was a gang-related incident.
Rodrick said he has no idea what happened. All he knows is that he lost his son and that Justin was not involved with gangs and was very honest, hard-working, and doing the right thing.
Keith Richey, Justin's uncle, said that the NYPD told the family that detectives are investigating. Keith said they are keeping their fingers crossed that his nephew will get justice.
Neighbors say Justin was a rising star in the community. He grew up in the Cypress Hills Houses and just graduated from high school with honors. Justin was a mentor at the local community center and made money working at a summer camp. His dream was to become a doctor.
Justin had 10 siblings. All of their names are tattooed on their dad's arm. His little brother says he was always able to make him smile.
Rodrick feels the one thing he miss the most is the daily phone call he had with his son. He said the violence has to stop and that he doesn't wish any parent to go through what he is going through right now.
The Richey family said their priority now is planning Justin's funeral and they expect arrangements to take place by the end of this week.