Family of teen killed while walking to school grieves

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla.(FOX 35 WOFL) - A candlelight memorial has been set up for a teenager who was killed on his way to school.

The family of Alejandro Vargas Martinez is heartbroken after deputies say he was shot to death while walking to Boone High School in Orlando Tuesday morning. 

"It hurts, because never expected this could happen to such a kid, young and it's very hard. It is very hard and I don't have a clue why," said Dolka Martinez the victim's aunt.

Martinez said her 15-year-old nephew preferred to be called Alex. She told us that he was on the phone with his mother when the shooting occurred.

"He walked that same route every day from and to school," she explained.

She wishes he didn't have to walk the two-mile stretch.

"That's not fair, some other kids can die, some other kids can go through the same thing."

Some parents and students are concerned for everyone's safety.

Cheryl Hile says, "Yes I'm very worried."

Her grand son Fernando Corral says, "It's scary because I walk right there."

Fernando says he had class with Alex.

"He was such a sweet kid. You can ask anybody. He was sweet, he was nice."

Dolka says Alex never got in trouble. He was going to turn 16 on New Year's Day.  He was looking forward to a promotion where he worked at Winn Dixie.

"He was going to be promoted from bagger to cashier, so he was dying to turn 16."

Dolka says Alex was saving up for the future. One that he'll never know.

"His dream was to move to California. He wanted to be a 'fashionista.'  I want him to be remembered as a loving kid. Helpful, respectful, a wonderful boy."

Deputies are asking neighbors to share RING video of the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).