IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Too Young to Die: Marcus Hunter

As a 16-year-old boy, Marcus Hunter was looking forward to taking driving lessons.

As a 16-year-old boy, Marcus Hunter was looking forward to taking driving lessons to earn his license. Recently, he passed the knowledge test on traffic laws, rules, and regulations, but anticipated practicing behind the steering wheel. He constantly asked his older sister: "You're going to teach me how to drive, right?"

Marcus, who was known as "Marty" to his family and friends, was the youngest of nine children. He will be remembered for his respectful and caring nature, his family said. He frequently lent a helping hand by offering to hold a door for an elderly person. If he saw a neighbor struggling while carrying groceries inside, he stopped and offered to help. "I always told him, 'Always give a helping hand because it will always come back to you,'" his father, Tabeka Robinson, told msnbc.com. Marty was family-orientated, visiting his grandmother each day just to spend time with her.

He kept a close group of friends, who he played basketball and football with during his free time in Trenton, N.J., where he was born and raised. A fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Heat, Marty dreamed of coaching a professional team. His favorite player was LeBron James. When he wasn't on the court or field, Marty played basketball- and football-themed video games on Xbox or PlayStation 3.

While walking to a store in Trenton on Feb. 11, Marty was shot and killed by an unidentified assailant.

More children's stories>