DISTRICT HEIGHTS, Md. — As DC reaches a 20-year high in the number of homicides, WUSA9 is working to highlight the lives that have been lost - and how their loved ones are coping and impacted.
We sat down with Rafael Board, the father of 24-year old Anwar Wingate. He himself is a victim of gun violence, but he says Anwar always had a plan.
"He really was going to have a future in the pros," he explained, "I'm positive he was going to have a good future."
The Forestville native and professional boxer took up the sport at age 17, following in the footsteps of his father, who was also his coach.
But on Sunday morning, Anwar's plans were cut short. Metropolitan Police say Wingate was shot and killed just before 3:30am near the 9:30 Club in Northwest DC.
Board still grappling with the reality of losing his son, especially because he worked so hard to make sure he didn't become a victim of gun violence.
"I don't think it's really sunk in yet," he said holding back tears.
He's still processing the loss.
"I can't lie to you, I can't, I don't think I've even thought about it… I'm still… he's gone. I'm still.. I'm focused on that. I try my hardest not to think about it because there's nothing I can do about it," he explained.
But the one thing he does know - is what his son would say to people if he were still here.
"Follow the plan. Listen to those who care about you," he said.
Police are still investigating and working to figure out who is responsible for shooting and killing Wingate, as his family continues to grieve.
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