San Diego

Officials ID Victim in Lincoln Park Trolley Stop Homicide

A man found mortally wounded Sunday on a Lincoln Park trolley stop has been identified by San Diego police. 

Gregory Izik Ruffin, Jr., 22 of San Diego died after suffering what police describe as apparent trauma to his upper body. 

Officers have not released details about how Ruffin was killed but are asking for the public's help to determine the circumstances that led to the young man's death. 

Ruffin was found just after 11 p.m. near the intersection of 47th Street and Imperial Avenue, near a Metropolitan Transit System trolley stop.

Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after, the San Diego Police Department said.

Homicide detectives were called to the scene.

"He was a nice kid," Ruffin's mother, Shay Ruffin, said. "He was my baby."

Shar Ruffin said her son was shot in the back while running away from his killer.

"I want justice. I want to know why somebody would do that to my son and leave him on the street," she added.

She said her son was schizophrenic and had bipolar disorder, but was a standout on his high school basketball team and was attending Grossmont College.

Shay Ruffin said her son was not a gang member and says his killing is a reminder that not all kids from tough neighborhoods are trouble makers.

There have been no arrests in the case and investigators have not provided a suspect description. 

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

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