A Mother's Anguish, Candlelight Vigil for 14-year-old Murder Victim from GHS

Family and friends gathered at Grayson High School on Friday evening for a candlelight vigil to remember the life of 14-year-old Paul Sampleton, Jr., murdered in his Grayson home on Dec. 19, 2012. The teen's mother, Stephanie, paid tribute to the memory of her son. She thanked Gwinnett County police for their vigilance in handling her son's case and Grayson High School and the Grayson community for their support during her time of sorrow.

GHS principal David Hopson opened the school and friends and family of Sampleton gathered in the commons area to share memories and pray for healing for those left behind. A second vigil was held at Wade-Walker Park in Stone Mountain where Sampleton had attended school and played football before moving to Grayson.

Sampleton was a budding football star and had plans to go to college on a football scholarship. His mother said although it won't be her son, somebody would go to college in his name. She plans to set up a scholarship in his name to keep his memory alive. Students joined together in prayer and signed a poster bearing a photo of the popular teen.

A memorial service for Sampleton's will be at 6 p.m. on Dec. 27, 2012 at Levetts Funeral Home in Gwinnett. Visitation will precede the service. His funeral will be on Friday, Dec. 28, 2012 at Hosley Temple in Macon. Flowers can be sent to Levetts Funeral Home or to Hicks and Son Mortuary at 2233 Anthony Road Macon, Ga. 31204. Funeral will be on Friday, Dec. 28, 2012 at Hosley Temple in Macon. A football scholarship fund in Sampleton's name has been set up at Wells Fargo Bank.

See also:

• Teen Shot to Death in Grayson

• Teens Struggle to Come to Terms with murder of 14-year-old GHS teen