A TEENAGE football player with dreams of going pro has been stabbed to death at a skate park, with an 18-year-old now under arrest.

Aziel Zacapala, 15, was a football standout at Rosemead High School in El Monte, California, known to friends as “AZ.”

Aziel Zacapala, 15, was fatally stabbed at a skate park in El Monte, California, on July 10

Aziel Zacapala, a 15-year-old football standout at Rosemead High School, dreamed of one day making it to the NFL

The attack happened on July 10 at a skate park near Potrero Elementary School, according to a press release by the El Monte Police Department.

A fight broke out between the suspect and a group of young men, leaving three people stabbed.

Two of the victims were treated at the hospital and are in stable condition, while the third, identified as Zacapala, later died from his injuries.

Jonathan Castelan was eventually identified as the suspect in the stabbings and arrested on July 20.

He has since been charged with one count of murder, one count of attempted murder, and one count of assault with a deadly weapon to which he has pleaded not guilty.

Castelan remains behind bars and will be back in court on August 24 for a hearing to determine if the case will go to trial.

Zacapala’s uncle, Danny, shared a heartfelt tribute to his nephew as the family asked for support.

“Aziel was a good kid, full of promise and kindness, and he had big dreams of making it to the big leagues as a football player,” Danny said.

“His dedication to his sport and his positive spirit inspired everyone around him, and his absence leaves a deep void in our family and community.”

According to his obituary, “football was Aziel’s greatest passion.”

It added: “He loved every part of the game, the discipline it demanded, the camaraderie of his teammates, the thrill of competition, and the excitement of stepping onto the field.

“He dreamed of one day playing in the National Football League, and he pursued that dream with unwavering determination.”

Source: https://www.the-sun.com/sport/16746042/nfl-hopeful-knifed-death-triple-stabbing-skate-park/