INDIANAPOLIS - He wore number 30 when he lead his Cinderella team to its first 1-A State Basketball Championship months ago. Now the coroner's office says 19-year old Raymond Green is the city's latest homicide victim.
Green was found shot dead in the middle of a street around 9:00 pm Sunday night. The shooting occurred near 32nd and Keystone.
Raymond Green could move a crowd, leading Indianapolis Metropolitan to its first championship in March. His crowning moment of achievement was hoisting the team trophy and the game ball as the tournament's most valuable player.
"You don't win a state championship without an entire team, but Raymond was our heartbeat," explained Coach Nick Reich.
A heartbeat stilled by violence Sunday night near his home.
Once more, those who loved and knew the 19-year old they called "Boosie" gathered around, this time with cries of anguish as his lifeless body lay in the middle of 32nd Street.
Raymond Green had been shot dead.
"He said, 'I'm going around the corner, I'll be right back.' And within 15 minutes, people were screaming," said his Aunt Stephanie Esaw, wiping away tears outside of the family apartment.
Among the crowd looking for answers was Coach Reich.
"Just heartbroken," he said, describing his feelings after learning the news.
On Monday, Reich stood as a shoulder of comfort at Indy Metropolitan.
"We went through a lot over the years. I will certainly remember him," he said.
Outside the school was a growing reminder of Raymond's contribution.
A new gymnasium is now under construction in honor of the 2011 team that made history.
"Without Raymond Green, this gym doesn't get built," the coach said, speaking of Green's impact during the tournament.
"Indy Met is like a family and they really, really loved Boosie so it helps that they were here," Esaw added, her eyes welling up with emotion.
As investigators try to determine why the former basketball star met such a tragic end, a youth minister is trying to channel raw emotions into a tribute of honor.
"I know how it feels, 19-year old gone. He was, you know, a friend to everybody," Minister Christopher Bell told Eyewitness News.
"It's very devastating, but that's our time to examine ourselves and, you know, get flat on our faces and talk to God and see what's going on," added Bell.
Raymond Green's playing days have been over for about six months, but his memory will live on long after the new gymnasium opens early next year.
Indianapolis Metropolitan is a charter school run by Goodwill Industries on the city's west side, for students struggling in other school settings.
Raymond Green's family is seeking burial assistance and set up an account at Old National Bank.
IMPD says Green has had one brush with the law dating back to 2009 in a robbery case. He was not enrolled in school at the time of his death. A prayer vigil will get underway at 32nd and Brouse at 6:30pm Monday.
Homicide detectives are investigating. Anyone with information should call (317) 327-3475 or (317) 262-8477 (TIPS).
