Friends hold vigil for murdered Parkville teen

PARKVILLE, Missouri - Friends and classmates of murdered Parkville teen Spencer Crosthwait gathered Friday night for a vigil.

People met just outside the Park High School gym, where Crosthwait would have been a senior.

Crosthwait was shot and killed early Thursday moring near Mo. 45 and 9 highways.

Authorities say the 17-year-old was stopped at an intersection when three men in another car drove up, and a back-seat passenger pointed a rifle out the window and fired a single shot into Crosthwait's car.

All three suspects were arrested later that day. On Friday, Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd charged Justin L. Dougan, 19, and Stephen L. Ellis, 19, with second-degree murder.

Court documents allege Ellis was driving the vehicle and Dougan fired the fatal shot .

A third suspect was released from custody on Friday evening and will not face charges.

A passenger in Crosthwait's car drove him to a nearby Price Chopper, where he was later pronounced dead.

Court documents say Dougan was in a fight over a girl with someone in Crosthwait's vehicle.

On Friday night, friends and family of Crosthwait talked about finding a different way to resolve conflicts.

Between hugs and tears, his father shared thoughts and memories about his son.

"He would want us to learn from this and move on," said Robert Crosthwait. "He was wonderful. There were so many things he didn't get to do. Every day, I'll wake up and talk to him. I love that boy more than anything."

Despite the threat of rain and lightning, more than 100 people lit candles and gathered for the vigil.