Police in central California say they need the public’s aid to figure out who stabbed and killed a 17-year-old boy the day after he graduated from high school earlier this month.
Dylan Ray Dooling graduated from Pitman High School in Turlock, California, on June 1 and planned to attend Modesto Junior College the following autumn. The next day, sometime before 11:00 p.m. He was stabbed to death after leaving a house party on North Daubenberger Road on June 2.
According to police, the killer was one of a group of males who approached Dooling and got into a fight with him that night.
The suspects are thought to be in their late teens to early twenties.
“Dylan was a good young man,” said Pastor Morri Elliot during a recent tribute for the dead graduate, according to CBS News. “He was a loyal young man, and he was with his girlfriend Zoe that night, and he was, from what I understand, protecting her.”
The Dooling family may require assistance with funeral expenditures, hospital bills, and attorney’s fees, according to a GoFundMe page.
“He loved his big family and enjoyed hanging out with his cousins,” says the campaign. “Dylan could put a smile on anyone’s face with his silly humor and infectious laugh.”
Dooling’s pals contacted 911 after the incident, and first responders took him to a nearby hospital, according to authorities, according to The Modesto Bee. An hour later, the boy died as a result of his injuries.
Sgt. Michael Parmley of the Turlock Police Department informed the press late last week that there is very little news, instead offering a URL for members of the public to contribute prospective leads.
Law enforcement is particularly interested in surveillance footage taken between 9:30 p.m. and midnight. and 11:00 p.m. on a particular night. Videos and photographs should be uploaded to tinyurl.com/doolinghomicide.
Police, for their part, have not revealed anything about the origins of the dispute or brawl that resulted in Dooling’s death.
Morris emphasized in subsequent comments recorded by the Bee that the party itself was not typical of suburban excess or the stereotypes propagated in Hollywood high school films.
“Someone said to me, ‘Well, you know those parties,'” stated the priest. “I’m like, ‘These boys were out in the backyard playing chess.'”
According to Dooling’s obituary, he is survived by three parents and his younger sister.
“Dylan loved cologne and had a large collection,” the obituary continues. “He took pride in his curly hair, always making sure it was perfectly styled.” He enjoyed video games and hanging out with his buddies, as do most teenagers. He has recently developed an interest in chess. He brought a chess board to school with him every day so he could play with his classmates. He has matured into a lovely young guy in recent years.”
According to unidentified neighbors quoted by CBS News, more individuals than planned attended the graduation party, resulting in a tragic and fatal conflict.
“If anyone has any information about the boys, the group that did this, please contact the Turlock Police Department,” the dead teen’s former pastor continued. “Dylan didn’t deserve this, and nobody deserves this.”
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