Marysville Boxing Coach Brutally Murdered In Front Of 8-Year-Old Son

MARYSVILLE (CBS13) — A boxing coach was brutally murdered in front of his 8-year-old son.

"The last thing my dad said was to call 911," said Josiah Fields.

The unthinkable last words he would hear from his father.

"He told me to stay upstairs so I wouldn't get shot," Josiah said.

A hero in the gym and now in his son's life. Taj Fields made sure he was the first one down the stairs each night.

"Taj protected Josiah and whoever else was behind him," said his wife, Johanna Fields.

Taj's life came to a tragic end when he was gunned down outside of the Hit Squad Boxing Center. Police later identified the suspect as Roman Zarate.

Family said Zarate was not just a fellow coach in the boxing ring, but was part of extended family.

"There was no struggle. There was no communication necessarily before the shooting happened and it doesn't appear to be a robbery gone wrong," said Marysville Police Chief Aaron Easton. " It appears that Roman was likely waiting at the bottom of the stairwell waiting for Taj to come down.

Police said the suspect took off in a stolen car. Through help from Taj's son, authorities were able to track down Zarate in Fresno where they also found a gun nearby.

While the motive is under investigation, it's clear this was a senseless act.

"Just a good man. He didn't deserve that," said Miguel Fields, Taj's older son.

Taj was not only a father to six children, but a star boxer and beloved mentor.

"Took me off the streets and he knew I had talent and he put that talent into gloves," said his student Miguel Munez.

Turning lives around is what Taj will be remembered for.

"He wanted to inspire them to not get in trouble anymore," said Josiah.

Which is exactly what he's done.

"I think he's proud of me. Ya, he's proud of me," said Munez.

Still trying to make sense of this tragedy, his daughter will remember him through his heart and his dedication.

His memory will live on through the hearts he's helped.

"I'm just really proud of my son and think even Taj Fields is bigger hero for us here and for us in this community," said Johanna.

Josiah will fight in his dad's honor this weekend. He said he's going to win and bring the title home for his dad.

At last check, Zarate was being transferred back to Marysville.