"He just looked at me. He just stared at me."

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The younger Holley, originally from Puerto Rico, moved to New Jersey and entered the foster care system around the age of 2, his father said. The two met when the boy was 7, and by the time the adoption was finalized three years later, Darryl Holley decided his son should keep his birth surname, Pacheco, as a middle name.

Often called "Pacheco" by friends, the elder Holley said his son was a loving and affectionate kid. The teen was a football linebacker who had dreams of going to Rutgers University — and someday playing in the NFL. He recently began practicing with Rahway High School’s football team.

Last night, Kyle Thomas found himself drawn to the Pop Warner footballSchool graduations from the family’s dining room window.

"He’s always seen the kids graduate in that field, and I was looking forward to watching my son graduate right here," Holley said as he looked toward the spot where his son would have received his diploma.

Holley left the house around 6 p.m. Friday to hang out with friends, family friends said. Darryl Holley said he was told his son went to a party later that night and a fight broke out as the celebration ended.

"What started out as something good turned out to be a nightmare," said a neighbor who declined to give his name.

Before leaving for the night, Holley went over to his father, gave him a kiss and said he loved him.

"And I told him I loved him,