Willy J. Tineo-Ferrira 15 years old September 12, 2010
Willy Tineo Ferrira
Willy was a sophomore at The Citadel intermediate high school. He had his whole life ahead of him. He had a good heart and was loyal to family and friends. He will be missed.
Willy was walking with two friends when four assailants confronted them at random, demanding money and valuables.
The two boys with Willy ran.
The attackers, all under age 21 were drinking at a local bar, punched and kicked Willy until he fell.
# then pulled a handgun and fired several shots into the boy's chest.
Police recovered eight shell casings.
Police are investigating a possible link between the four suspects and a gang.
"It doesn't seem like he had any prior dealings with the defendants that would have caused any anger. It was a completely unprovoked very heinous attack on his life," said Reading Police Deputy Chief Mark Talbot.
Reported 9/12/2010
Teen Beaten, Shot To Death In Reading
Article dated September 13, 2010
Reading boy, 15, beaten, shot to death; 4 arrested
Youth beaten, shot as he lay helpless on sidewalk, police say
Reading Eagle article dated 9/14/2010
Family, friends mourn slain teen
Friends gather to comfort the family of a teen slain Sunday. They recall him as a teacher, a dancer, a loyal confidant.
Article dated 9/18/2010
5th arrest made in city boy's murder
Citadel student, 19, lives where police found murder weapon, victim's sneakers
Article dated 9/19/2010
Shock over teen's murder inspires anti-violence march
Article dated 9/19/2010
No easy answers
The community struggles with questions about the murder of 15-year-old Willy Tineo-Ferreira and about the four teenagers accused of attacking him.
Article dated 9/27/2010
Lawyer of boy charged in murder wants case transferred to juvenile court
Article dated 11/27/2010
School director says students' deaths a city tragedy Reading High lost its first student to violence this year Sept. 12 when 15-year-old Willy Tineo-Ferreira was killed during a robbery in the 900 block of Green Street.
He was shot after assailants beat him and stole his shoes. Police have charged five city residents, including a schoolmate of the victim, in the killing
Article dated 12/5/2010
Fears of gang activities after student deaths appear unfounded Four city teenagers were charged in the Tineo-Ferreira killing: a 19 yr old of the 200 block Pearl Street; a 19 yr old, of the 500 block of North Eighth Street; a 19 yr old of the 500 block of Moss Street., and a 16 yr old of the 1000 block of North 10th Street. Police said the shooting took place as the four robbed the youngster of his sneakers.
Article dated 12/30/2010
Witness: Teen slain for sneakers implored killers to 'chill' After four hours of testimony, District Judge Wally Scott ordered two men held for court on second-degree murder, robbery and conspiracy charges.
Two other suspects previously waived their preliminary hearings on the same charges:
Report dated 7/19/2011
Jury Hears Testimony In 1st Day Of 'Murder For Sneakers' Trial "[Willy Tineo] wasn't just murdered. He was first beaten. He was robbed and then he was shot repeatedly while he lay on the ground helpless" The trial is for two of the five people charged, one is the alleged getaway driver charged with second degree murder. Secondly, a 20 year old alleged shooter who is charged with first and second degree murder.
Article dated 7/20/2011
Witnesses testify about city boy's killing
Article dated 7/21/2011
City man convicted of first-degree murder in boy's slaying 20 year old Reading man cried as he was convicted of first - degree murder.
The first-degree murder conviction carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WstxJ9Fbsw
Article dated 9/1/2011
Gunman gets life term in teen's murder
The city man offers apologies for slaying of victim who was robbed of his sneakers Juan Tineo, Tineo-Ferreira's father, told Judge Scott D. Keller there was no reason for what happened to his son.
"He was the type of person who participated," Tineo said, speaking through a Spanish interpreter. "He had a lot of friends. If someone said something he didn't like, he turned the other way. As far as I know, there was never a complaint about him."
