$5K Reward Offered to Help Find California College Basketball Player's Killer

Family and friends of a slain California college basketball player are hoping a $5,000 reward will help capture his killer.

In March, Shailo Leafa and five other young men were outside a hookah lounge on Western Avenue and 259th Street in Harbor City when someone opened fire and struck Leafa.

Leafa later died at the hospital. He was 21 years old.

His killer has yet to be caught.

"He didn't deserve this and he needs justice, we need justice, we need closure," said his father, Filipo Leafa.

The family walked the crime scene area last week, handing out fliers, hoping to generate leads.
On Monday, they gathered on Pacific Coast Highway in Harbor city and held signs that read "Justice for Shailo."

A billboard has been set up announcing the $5,000 reward for information leading to Leafa's killer.

"My son had a future, he was still a young kid, a star that was getting ready to shine and unfortunately that was taken away from him," his father said.

Leafa was a standout basketball player at Narbonne High School in Harbor City and was named LA City Division II player of the year. He went on to play for Fresno City College.

His family can't understand why his life was cut short in such a violent way and they are pleading for answers.

"Please come forward, from one mother to another, from one family to another, from one human being to another, please, if you know something, come forward," said his mother, Neise Leafa.

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