Heilala Aholelei was 16 and a sophomore at Artesia High School when he was killed on November 9, 2007. A student and athlete who played football, Heilala was described as having a positive demeanor and strong ties to his community and church; he was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was attending a birthday party at Artesia Cerritos United Methodist Church the night he died.

After the event he was confronted and murdered by a gang member outside the church. The killing devastated his friends, family, and community and became a stark example of local gang violence cutting down a young person involved in school and faith activities.

If anyone knew Heilala, attended the same school or church, or has information about that night, please share what you remember.