Matthiew Stavkovy — a 13-year-old boy known for his dedication to his faith — was memorizing Revelation 21 when his life was tragically taken in a robbery of a camera.
Prosecutors said Matthiew was killed July 16, when he and his 15-year-old sister and an underage friend went to Turnkey Park in Kent, Washington, to sell a camera and its accompanying equipment, according to the Kent Reporter. The sale was arranged through the online marketplace OfferUP.
Over the weekend, a memorial service was held at Way to Salvation Church to remember Matthiew’s life.
“On July 16, 2024, at the age of 13, Matthiew’s heart stopped beating after a tragic event took place at a park where someone decided to put a bullet through his back,” said Michael Stavkovy, Matthiew’s 18-year-old brother, who later added, “Everything he did, he did to the best of his ability. From serving God, to his schoolwork, playing sports and everything else in between.”
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The elder Stavkovy son said Matthiew was “very involved in church and making sure his life was solely devoted to living for the glory of God,” telling those attending the service that his brother’s too-short life “reflected the bright light that Jesus Christ is.”
“Matthiew was a young preacher of the Good News of Jesus Christ,” he said with tears in his eyes. “He loved to sing with his family. He also sang in the kids’ choir and was eagerly waiting until he could start singing in youth choir this fall. Matthiew played many instruments, starting with piano, guitar and trumpet with his band at church. He also memorized chapters in the Bible and would say it at church.”
Michael Stavkovy said Matthiew was in the midst of memorizing Revelation 21 when he was fatally shot. The passage in the final book of the Bible addresses a new heaven and earth.
“Right before he passed to be with the Lord, he was memorizing Revelation Chapter 21 and was planning to say it in church,” Michael Stavkovy said. “Matthiew is now in heaven not only reading about all the wonders of heaven, but seeing it with his own eyes.”
Matthiew was baptized at just 6 years old and was faithful in his pursuit of his faith, according to his brother.
“Matthiew was a bright shining star in this dark world that in just 13 years was able to do so much for the glory of God and impact so many people’s lives,” he said. “May his life be an example to everyone on how to live their lives to the fullest for the glory of God,” Michael ended in sharing his prepared remarks about his brother.”
Matthiew’s commitment to his Christian faith — and preaching the Gospel — is well-documented.
In the immediate aftermath of his tragic death, clips of Matthiew singing and even preaching a sermon on the parable of the prodigal son found in Luke 15:11-32 began circulating on social media. On X, one clip of Matthiew preaching has garnered more than four million views.
NEW: 13-year-old boy who went to sell a camera in a Seattle-area park, shot and k*lled by three teens during an orchestrated armed robbery.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 30, 2024
Horrific.
The incident happened at Turnkey Park in Kent, Washington.
Matthiew Stavkovy went to the park to sell a camera with his… pic.twitter.com/efAr9niSVZ
As for the assailant, law enforcement officials have arrested and charged 18-year-old Faysal Abdullahi with first-degree murder and first-degree robbery for allegedly setting up the OfferUP deal that led to Matthiew’s murder, even though he was not the one who fired the shot that ultimately killed Matthiew.
Two unnamed brothers — ages 16 and 19 — have also been arrested for their connection to the crime.
“While there is no way to compensate for the incredible loss felt by the Stavkovy family and the community, it is my hope that today’s (July 25) arrests in addition to the arrest made last week, provide them some measure of comfort,” said Police Chief Rafael Padilla.
Police allege Abdullahi arrived at the park with another male before a third male showed up wearing a face mask and brandishing a pistol. The investigation into the tragic murder is still underway.
Please be in prayer for the Stavkovy family as they grieve this horrific loss.
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