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Murdered Youth Pastor Remembered By Community In Compton

COMPTON (CBS) — A murdered youth pastor was remembered by friends with praise and music Thursday night in Compton.

Police said Oscar Duncan, 23, who went by the name Choirboy, was gunned down while defending his girlfriend from a group of gang members.

Duncan had served as a youth pastor at Greater Zion Church. Thursday night the community that meant so much to him celebrated his life and ministry.

Duncan pastored through his love for music and dance and that is how the church remembered in during the ceremony.

"He was the one that helped the young people find their gift and to perfect it," said Pastor Michael Fisher.

Duncan was gunned down as he was standing in front of his mom's Venice home with his girlfriend on June 4.

Police believe that gang members drove up and hurled insults at his girlfriend. When Duncan asked them to stop, one of them fired a fatal shot.

"As far as the violence is concerned, it's senseless. It's ridiculous, enough is enough," Fisher said, adding that the gang life that Duncan worked to keep teens out of is what took his life.

Police said the youth pastor was not a gang member and had no criminal record.

"In spite of the fact that they did this horrendous crime, we still want them to know we serve a God that is still able to save them," Fisher said.

"He pushed me to know that I can take my life and my everything to the next level like he did," said Duncan's friend, Teltrick Gordon.

Duncan had many titles -- youth pastor, mentor, homecoming king and football captain at Venice High School -- but friends said his actions defined his purpose in life.

"He knew who he was in God and he helped people get that way, as far as people pushing him and him pushing you. A very, very strong man of God," said co-minister Michishia.

Duncan's funeral was planned for Friday morning.

Earlier in the week Kevin Duayne Green, 28, plead not guilty to murder charges in the case. Green was due back in court in July.

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» Young Pastor Gunned Down In Front Of His Venice Home

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