My Son Did Not Deserve To Die: Slain Teen's Family Speaks [VIDEO]

TEMECULA, CA — Wednesday was supposed to be a chance for the Rodriguez family to celebrate their patriarch's birthday. Everyone was to gather at the Murrieta home of Atticus Rodriguez around 3 p.m., but first there were some errands to take care of. Middle son Kevin got dad a gift and filled out a card. He then headed to Walmart in Temecula to pick up some groceries.

"He was excited to come over and have a birthday with me," Atticus Rodriguez told Patch Thursday, while sitting alongside his wife Traci and daughter Tishnae Wise. "It was just a simple thing, with me, my wife, his siblings... he went to the coffee shop, got dad a card, he wrote in it — which I still haven't seen yet because it's still in the car and they impounded the car."

Tragically, 19-year-old Kevin never made it to that dinner. He was stabbed outside the Temecula Walmart following an "altercation" with 40-year-old James Beckham Fortney and died a short time later, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. Forney is now free on bail.

"This man who took my son's life," his father told Patch. "Whatever he was mad about or pissed off about, it doesn't fit. My son did not deserve to die over a rage."

Growing up in the Rialto area originally, Kevin moved to Murrieta in the 9th grade. He found his passion when he got to Murrieta Valley High School and discovered film-making. In recent years, he'd found fame online doing what he loved — parkour.

On Instagram, Kevin had amassed more than 43,700 fans who followed him on his athletic adventures around the world. But he also held down jobs locally, and most recently worked for Kia of Temecula, who was helping him finish up high school.

"Mom and dad I'm going to get you that diploma," Atticus recalled his son tell him upon getting the job at Kia about three months ago.

Though he'll never be able to finish his education, his family tells Patch they are happy he was able to live a life following his passion for adventure.

"The world would be a much better place with more Kevins in the world," his dad said.

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Image by Renee Schiavone