Parents of slain Texas teen forgive his accused killers

WYLIE, Texas - The parents of a 17-year-old Texas boy who police say was choked to death by two of his classmates are expressing forgiveness for the their son's alleged killers, and sorrow for their families, a spokesperson for the victim's family says, reports CBS DFW.

"They actually express forgiveness because they know what the other families are going through and their faith moves them to forgive as well," said Benjamin Alicea.

Authorities said Monday the two 16-year-olds accused of targeting and killing Ivan Mejia, a senior at Wylie East High School, may have done so in a dispute about a girl. Police say the teen was killed on a road behind the Wylie school. Authorities arrested the two suspects Saturday in Garland and say that when police interrogated them, they said they were trying to bury Ivan's body.

Anita Mejia, the victim's mother, told CBS DFW that her son was not dating the girl in question. She said that her son was friends with the girl and that one of the suspects was jealous of their friendship.

Alicea described Ivan as a leader and said if he saw a need, he would try to help.

Ivan's family said they want him remembered not as a victim of a brutal crime, but for his service to others and his passion for Christ.

A memorial service for Mejia is scheduled for Friday.

The two 16-year-olds are being held in a juvenile detention facility in Collin County.