Hero Wyoming boy Bobby Maher, 14, who was stabbed to death protecting his ... trends now
The family of the Wyoming schoolboy stabbed to death while trying to protect his girlfriend from thugs has posted a moving tribute, as thousands prepare to gather for a vigil in his memory this evening.
Bobby Maher, 14, raced to Eastridge Mall in Casper on Sunday after receiving a text from his friend telling him she was being harassed by the pair.
Video footage showed Maher clearly telling the other boys that he does not want to fight, backing away and exclaiming 'that's not fair' when they pulled out their weapon.
But he was fatally stabbed twice in the stomach, leaving his mother, father and three older brothers to grieve the boy they called an 'angel'.
His father Robert posted an image online of his son with his angel wings, and wrote: 'The light Bobby brought into the world will shine on forever in the hearts and memories of all who knew him,' in his obituary today.
A tribute posted online by Robert Maher to his murdered son as thousands gather for a vigil
Maher's heartbroken father wrote on Facebook: 'Bobby Rest in Peace my baby I miss you so much Daddy was so proud of you and loved you so much so very much !'
Flowers are left at memorials for Robert Dean Maher in Casper, Wyoming
'He found joy in spending time with his friends and family, sharing laughs and taking in all life had to offer.
'With a spunky personality and thirst for adventure Bobby quickly grew into a driven young man on a path to great things.
'Bobby was naturally intelligent and athletic, which allowed him to flourish in many things, including his greatest passion: basketball.
'His tenacious nature, skill and great support from his family helped push Bobby to be a star player and a joy to watch on the court.
'Bobby's light will shine on brightly in everyone that had the chance to meet him.'
The Dean Morgan Middle school student knew his alleged killers, Dominique Antonio Richard Harris and Jarreth Joseflee Sabastian Plunkett, both 15.
Police said they were seeking revenge after Bobby had called them 'freaks' a week earlier.
The pair stole two kitchen knives from Target after arriving at the mall around midday, according to court documents
'(Harris) stated (Plunkett) had taken the knife knowing they were going to fight (Bobby),' the affidavit states.
According to police interviews, there had been a previous incident at a park in Evansville between Maher and the suspects, who claimed he called them 'freaks' after he saw them go into a portal potty together
Maher is pictured with a female friend in a tribute shared on Facebook after his death. It's unclear if she is one of the girls he was protecting when he died
The inside area of the Eastridge Mall in Casper is pictured above
Bobby also leaves behind three older brothers, Charles, Patrick, and Raiden
