The 19-year-old William Morias was shot to death on Sunday after reacting to an assault. The midfielder was a member of Corinthians and was recently loaned to America-MG for the 2011 season.

Fans of Brazilian soccer team Corinthians run away from tear gases outside the club's training center during a violent protest at the Tiete Ecological Park, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Feb. 5, 2011. Over 200 fans participated in a protest over the removal of the team on Wednesday in the preliminary phase of the Copa Libertadores soccer tournament. The police struggled to contain the protesters and used tear gas to disperse the fans. (Xinhua)

Morais' teammate and idol at Corinthians, Ronaldo expressed his mourning for the senseless killing. Ronaldo stated that he is revolted and shocked, adding that the young athlete was full of talent and had a promising future in the sport.

In the city of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Morias was shot in the back upon trying to escape an assault and robbery. Three men surrounded the player's car with the intent of stealing Morais' gold necklace. Morais accelerated in an attempt flee, but was shot by a .32 caliber handgun and died on the scene.

The local police arrested 18-year-old Herbert Silva Lopes dos Santos, 18-year-old Darisson Carlos Ferraz da Silva and 23-year-old Daivison Carlos Basilio Moreira. The gun used in the crime was found at the residence of one of the suspects. All three of suspects have previous police records of theft, drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms.

Morais played in only one match with America-MG, aiding the team in a 1-1 draw in the debut of the Minas Gerais state championship. Both America-MG and Corinthians are planning a special tribute in memory of the young athlete.

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