Family mourns slain Vallejo teen: ‘I just want justice'

(KRON) — A Vallejo family laid their 16-year-old son and brother to rest this week. The teen was shot to death last month while police continue searching for the killer.

Anthony Wilburn Jr.’s mother and oldest sister said the 16-year-old had a good head on his shoulders and stayed out of trouble. The victim’s family said their loved one is more than just another ‘John Doe.’

“Anthony was not a bad kid. He was not involved in gang violence. He was not brought up like that," Anthony's mother told KRON4 News. “He was at the wrong place at the wrong time. The love that he was born with was taken away from us.”

Wilburn’s family said he did not live near Carolina Street in South Vallejo where they said he was shot to death in mid-July. The shooting happened just five days after his birthday and a week before his mother’s.

Wilburn is the city’s 12th homicide victim of the year and more people have been killed since during a summer crime spike, said police.

This week, Wilburn would have been attending orientation before starting his junior year at Vallejo High School. His sister said he intended to try out for the basketball team and loved to produce rap music. “For those that know Anthony, they know that he was a bright soul and an inspiration to all of those around him.”

Wilburn was funeralized Tuesday. His family is now raising money online to help pay for a public memorial . The memorial is planned to be held on Aug. 31 at Rocky Graham Park in Marin City at 3 p.m.

“I just want justice for my brother because what was done to him was senseless and wrong," said the victim's sister.

Wilburn’s father passed away in 2021, but he is survived by his mother, three siblings and four nephews.

Police have not released a motive in his killing or announced any arrests.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.