Detectives look for clues into shooting that killed Modesto teen

MODESTO -- Investigators Thursday continued to look for suspects in the Wednesday evening shooting of a teenager in west Modesto.

The Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department identified the victim as Marty Kent, 17, of Modesto. Deputies responding to a call of shots fired at a home in the 900 block of Leon Avenue found Kent in front of the home. He was declared dead at the scene.

Detectives spent part of Thursday looking for a green Jeep seen in the area at the time of the shooting.

Sgt. Anthony Bejaran said no suspects had been identified or arrests made. Investigators still were trying to determine exactly what happened.

"We know that something happened in front of the house," Bejaran said, adding that investigators believe the suspect or suspects were standing in the yard at the time of the shooting. "We know in speaking to them that everybody was in front of the residence or at the door of the residence when the victim was shot."

Bejaran said there was no indication yet that the case was gang- or drug-related.

Kent's sister, Micah Savage, described her brother as a straight-A student, about to graduate soon from Elliott Alternative Education Center.

"We don't want him portrayed as just another kid on the wrong side of town in the bad neighborhood who was killed," Savage said.

Funeral arrangements were pending. The family started a page on a fundraising website to collect money for burial expenses. It's also a place where people can leave well wishes for the family members, who were gathering on Thursday to plan Kent's service, Savage said.

Kent was one of nine siblings in the family. Savage said he was an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan who liked hanging out with his girlfriend.

"He's just an average teenage kid."

On the Net: www.youcaring.com/memorial-fundraiser/Marty-T-Smallwood-Kent/38354

Breaking News Editor Patty Guerra can be reached at pguerra@modbee.com or (209) 578-2343. Follow her on Twitter, @pattyguerra.