Auburn Family Mourns Son Stabbed To Death; Teen Arrested For Murder

AUBURN (CBS13) - An Auburn mother is in mourning, trying to understand why someone would murder her 20-year-old son.

A teenage suspect was arrested not far from the scene near Brown's Road and Springs Road in El Dorado County.

"He was my gift from God," said Lisa Steele, the victim's mother.

Lisa's son Matt has been taken back.

"They said he's been stabbed and he's passed away," said Lisa.

They are words she'll never forget.

The 20-year-old Auburn man was stabbed to death nearly 30 miles away in the tiny El Dorado County community of Cold Springs, outside Placerville.

Paramedics would unsuccessfully try to save Matt. They took him to Marshall Hospital, where he would die.

"Matt was a brilliant sunshine; I called him my sunshine," said Lisa.

Deputies would later arrest 18-year-old Wesley Hampshire, and charge him with murder. His home is just blocks away from the murder scene. His alleged motive is still unclear.

"Cars going back and forth to the golf course, and that's about it. It's quiet," said one woman.

It's a total shock for neighbors.

"Never heard of a homicide here in the neighborhood at all," said one man.

As for Matt's mom, she says she's "literally been told nothing."

She's now left with questions, insisting she has no idea why Matt even would be in Cold Springs, and never heard of the suspect. However, she says she does know one thing.

"Matt didn't deserve to die, especially the way he did. And I don't know the circumstances under which he died, but I know he didn't deserve to be killed," Lisa said.

Hampshire was booked into El Dorado County Jail on one charge of murder. He is expected to appear in court Tuesday.