Student-athlete from Fiji shot dead while running in Calif.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - A runner from Fiji was shot and killed in Northern California just weeks before friends say he was set to attend the University of Louisiana.

The Sacramento Bee reports that Roy Ravana Jr., 19, and an unidentified 21-year-old man were shot on Monday in Sacramento County. The 21-year-old is expected to survive.

Sheriff's officials tell the Bee two juveniles aged 16 and 17 with gang ties were arrested Tuesday. They were charged Wednesday with murder and attempted murder. Investigators have not determined a motive for the shooting and say they don't know whether the victims fired any shots or had any gang affiliations.

The paper reports the Ravana came to the United States two years ago, hoping for a better education and athletic opportunities. He was to attend college on a track and field scholarship.

Friends and family of Ravana say they were not aware of his involvement in any criminal behavior. Fiji's prime minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, called Ravana an innocent bystander and said he was a great athlete and wonderful role model.

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