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Teen Murdered Days Before Receiving Make-A-Wish Gift

By Roma Villavicencio, KENS. SAN ANTONIO, TX -- Diego Rodriguez had one wish in his short life. To have his grandfather's truck remodeled by Tim Duncan's speed shop. Before the 17-year-old was shot and killed this week, he had been battling leg cancer...

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By Roma Villavicencio, KENS

SAN ANTONIO, TX -- Diego Rodriguez had one wish in his short life. To have his grandfather's truck remodeled by Tim Duncan's speed shop.

Before the 17-year-old was shot and killed this week, he had been battling leg cancer.

A 15-year-old has been charged with his murder.

But that isn't stopping the group effort to make Diego's dream come true.

"I know he's probably looking down and smiling," said Black Jack shop manager, Jason Pena.

The final touches on his 1993 Chevy S10 were supposed to be finished Friday.

"He was like really super excited," said Pena.

Rodriguez had been battling leg cancer for the past two years. He had only one wish.

"He wanted his truck re-done and he wanted it re-done by Black Jack Speed Shop," said Pena.

It's retired SPURS legend, Tim Duncan's car shop.

"We have the truck torn apart. New paint job, new full custom interior, new suspension, new wheels and tires," said Pena.

Pena said they didn't hesitate when the Make-A -Wish foundation asked them to be involved. The 23-year-old truck is a family heirloom, belonging to Diego's grandfather. Pena said Diego's mother wanted so badly to have his son's wish granted.

"She had promised Diego if he can fight the cancer and make it to his 16th birthday that she would give him the truck," said Pena.

Kathrin Brewer, the CEO for the South Texas chapter of Make-A-Wish said they are distraught by the news, writing:

"There is nothing we can do to make up for (Diego's) loss, but we hope that his car will be a great reminder to his mother that the realization of their dream and the community they had made a difference for him and gave him strength."

Pena said Tim Duncan was expected to be at the unveiling scheduled for tomorrow.

"I'm grateful to have been a part of the journey with Make-A-Wish and Diego's family and I still look forward to unveiling it to the family so they have some sort of bright spot in this whole equation," said Pena.

Diego's Chevy will be given to his family and unveiled at his funeral service Monday morning. It will be driven during the procession.

Video accompanying this story can be found by visiting KENS.

(© 2016 KENS)

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