Javier Mora Jr., murdered in Salinas, receives posthumous degree from CSU Monterey Bay

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV)- For some college graduation is a time for new beginnings, but for one, on Sunday, it marked the future that could have been.

Javier "Jumby" Mora Jr., who was murdered in Salinas in his home on Homestead Avenue on July 11, would have graduated with a degree in agricultural plant and soil sciences from CSU Monterey Bay. His father, Javier Mora Sr., graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with the same degree years prior, and accepted now accept the degree again, but this time in honor of his son.

Jumby's father accepted his degree at CSU Monterey Bay's graduation at the Salinas Sports Complex. Afterward, family and friends gathered at the Mora household to celebrate Jumby's accomplishments and his life.

Food, decorations, clothing, and pictures; the home was filled with tributes to Jumby. With his love for foxes and sunflowers littered everywhere. A crown was even placed in front of a memorial to commemorate the young man that was known as the "king" to his family.

The only thing that was missing... Javier "Jumby" Mora Jr. himself. An Aztec dance was held to commemorate Jumby's life and family and friends were asked to join in.

Family said Jumby would have been the first of his cousins to graduate school, so the plan would have always been to throw a big celebration for him.

When asked how the day went, Javier Mora Sr. said, "We are really grateful that CSUMB was able to give him his degree and that we were able to walk the line for him. I held him across the line and it was very emotional. It was a good feeling. It was sad, but good."

Jumby's sister spoke to KION back in July about attending classes with her older brother at CSUMB, saying she didn't drive so he would ensure she got to class on time. He was everything an older brother should be, "He was our protector," she said teary-eyed.

It is now my honor and privilege to bestow a posthumous degree for Javier Mora Jr. who was pursuing his degree in Agricultural Plant & Soil Science until his tragic murder last summer.  Posthumous degrees are awarded upon the recommendation of the faculty and Dean to students who are close to completing their degrees.  Javier’s peers and professors remember him for his contagious smile, hard work, and dedication to the local agricultural industry.  Javier’s father will be wearing regalia and accepting the degree certificate on behalf of his late son.

Dean of College of Science for CSU Monterey Bay Andrew Lawson

When he initially was killed the university sent out the following statement.

I am deeply saddened to inform you of the loss of a member of our CSUMB family. Javier Mora Jr. passed on July 11. We offer our deepest condolences to Javier’s family, friends, and loved ones. Javier was a senior, Agricultural Plant and Soil Sciences major.

CSU Monterey Bay

When Mora Sr. was asked what he would have told his son when he graduated he said, "I would have told him I'm so proud of him. So very, very, proud of him. He was always a great kid, he would have been a great man."

Vigil held for Javier "Jumby" Mora Jr., allegedly murdered by "an intruder he considered a friend"

"My son was murdered in his underwear by an intruder that he considered a friend," echoed Javier Mora Jr.'s father during a vigil on Sunday outside his home where six days prior, his son "Jumby" was taken from him on Homestead Avenue.

Dozens of friends and neighbors arrived to mourn the loss and celebrate the life of the 25-year-old son, friend, "good egg," and student who touched their lives.

"Thank you, everyone, for coming out. Thank you, my neighbors, for speaking well of him. He was my boy," said Mora's father. He added that his son was shy and kind. He ran every morning and took his two dogs for a daily walk.

Jumby attended classes at Cal State Monterey Bay and was going to graduate in May with a degree in agricultural plant and soil sciences, precisely like his father did before him.

Jumby's sister spoke about attending classes with her older brother at CSUMB, saying she didn't drive so he would ensure she got to class on time. He was everything an older brother should be, "He was our protector," she said teary-eyed.

She said when she graduates, she will think of Jumby. Her dad added when she graduates, it will be for her brother.

Flowers and gifts were left on top of Jumby's blue truck. Friend's and family spoke about the young man who would say things like, "This place is beautiful (Hawaii). I'm never coming back here, but it's beautiful."

Read more: Man accused of Homestead Avenue killing charged with second-degree murder

"I don't care what anyone is saying. He was not let in," added Mora's father when referring to Angel Herrera, the man suspected of murdering his son. "We live in a safe neighborhood; we always thought our home was the safest."

Family members told KION that both of Jumby's parents grew up on the east side of Salinas and moved to Homestead Avenue to provide a better life for their family. His parents even fought and held the alleged intruder until police arrived.

"I have so many angels in my family, and my son was murdered by a piece of **** named Angel," Mora's father shouted. "Mondays come around, and I go to work. That's what everyone has to do, right? But now I ******* Mondays. I hate Mondays."