Grayson High School freshman Paul Sampleton Jr. had been home only a matter of minutes after early release for the holidays Wednesday before he was bound, shot and left to die in the kitchen of his townhome.
Gwinnett County Police say they believe the homicide started as a robbery, although they did not release information regarding what they believe was stolen as they continued their investigation Thursday.
Paul’s father discovered his son sometime after noon, according to police. He was dead by the time paramedics arrived.
While police aren’t saying what they think the robbery motive was, several of Paul’s friends seem certain that he was killed for his shoes – specifically, high-priced basketball shoes.
Police acknowledge that is one possible motive.
According to multiple friends and acquaintances, Paul collected, traded and sold basketball shoes, such as Nike Air Jordans, which can sell for hundreds of dollars a pair.
“He did love his shoes,” said friend Abiodun Anifowoshe, 15. “The new Jordans and Nikes that came out, Paul was always the first to get them.”
Anifowoshe said he saw Paul for the last time just after the final bell rang, marking the beginning of winter break.
“He was smiling, listening to music,” Abiodun said. “He got on his bus, I got on mine. We were all happy.”
He said he was shocked by the killing. “We’ve had some people die here, but it’s been car wrecks,” Manny said. “Never someone purposely kill somebody.”
School mate Manny Perez said Paul had at least 20 pairs.
Shailene Mickens said her 14-year-old son was a classmate of Paul’s, and sometimes traded shoes with him.
Mickens said new lines of basketball shoes are often sold in limited quantities, which makes them more valuable on the open market after the stores sell out. Quantities are sometimes so limited that stores sell tickets in advance of the shoes becoming available; the tickets are then redeemed for the shoes, according to Mickens.
Shoes, phones, gaming systems and clothes are traded on a local Facebook site, called “Atl Addicted To All Things Fresh.”
Mickens said the trading always made her uneasy, and she allowed it only when she is with him.
“I’m not comfortable with it, but I can’t fight it so I just decided to be there with him,” Mickens said. “It is high-end fashion for boys.”
Investigators remained at the townhouse, located on Haynescrest Drive in Grayson, for several hours Thursday, emerging in the afternoon with a plastic bin of evidence. They would not say if they believe Paul was specifically targeted.
Pastor Veta Blanding, of Hopewell Northeast Missionary Baptist Church, went to the townhome Thursday to console the family. Police were still inside investigating.
“There is life after death,” Blanding said when asked what she was going to tell the family. “That’s the type of service we offer – hope.”
About the Author
