A 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder in connection to a fatal stabbing that occurred Saturday afternoon in Dyker Beach Park, Brooklyn. The victim, 21-year-old Manuel Estanislao Chox Choc, was killed after being stabbed in the heart, prosecutors said. The teen is also charged with attempted murder in the stabbing of Chox Choc’s 30-year-old uncle, who was seriously wounded but has since been reported in stable condition.

According to Assistant District Attorney Daniel Stern during the suspect’s arraignment Monday in Brooklyn Supreme Court’s youth part, the attack took place just before 2 p.m. near 86th Street and 14th Avenue. The park was busy at the time with people participating in activities including soccer games. The teen and a second individual entered the park on a moped, and the suspect reportedly approached a group of people before focusing on one individual. Law enforcement sources indicated the teen asked the victim if he was involved in a gang, and at some point, recorded the interaction on his cell phone.

After the confrontation, the teen stabbed Chox Choc, who died at the scene. When the victim’s uncle attempted to intervene, the teen stabbed him as well. Approximately 45 minutes later, an off-duty officer encountered the teen riding the moped on the Belt Parkway. The suspect reportedly attempted to discard the vehicle on the highway. When the officer asked if he needed assistance, the teen admitted to the stabbing, saying, “Listen, I just stabbed somebody, but don’t snitch on me,” according to Stern. The officer took him into custody.

Judge Curtis Walker ordered the teen held without bail pending his next court appearance, scheduled for Thursday. The teenager’s attorney, Peter Saint George Davis, declined to comment.

Chox Choc, who emigrated from Guatemala four years ago, was days away from graduating high school. Friends and family described him as a kind and cheerful young man who was working hard to learn English and support his family back in Guatemala. A 13-year-old friend recalled his optimism and efforts to master the language despite difficulties, saying he came to the United States seeking a better life and to send money home.

The community has expressed shock and grief following the fatal incident.