The shooting happened on Center Street and South Alaska Street in Tacoma just after 5 a.m. Saturday.

According to Tacoma police, the shooting occurred at an empty building where at least 100 people had gathered for a party after bars had closed.

Tacoma police spokesman Mark Fulghum said the victim, 17-year-old Billy Shirley III, came to the party looking for his mother and got into an argument. Officers said he was shot in the back as he was leaving the party.

Shirley was also mourned Sunday at the nonprofit group called Peace Out, where Shirley volunteered. The group encourages young people to fundraise for charity.

His teacher at Curtis High School told KIRO 7 Eyewitness News that Shirley wanted to use rap music to turn young people away from violence.

“I just want people to know he was more than a statistic. He was trying to make a better life for himself and for others,” said Lori Elvrom.

No arrests have been made in the slaying.