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Parents Of Murdered Man: 'Think Twice About Who You Befriend'

HANOVER TWP. (KDKA) -- John and Shari Ramirez have seen reports of murders on the news, but this time their 21-year old son Ryan was the victim.

"Ryan's our angel now, that's all we can think is that God wanted him for some reason, now we don't understand why," said Shari Ramirez.

Ryan Ramirez was reported missing Tuesday. His body was found in a wooded area near Stuebenville Pike in Hanover Township Thursday. Police believe he was shot in the head by 22-year old Christopher Lott. A witness told police he or she picked up Ramirez hoping to buy the drug Percocet. The witness said they met Lott at Settlers Cabin Park. When Lott got in the car he reportedly asked for the drugs and demanded money from Ramirez.

"Ryan did not know him at all, we believe he was with another person and that person coerced him to go," Shari Ramirez said.

The police report says Ramirez was forced to go to an ATM machine to get money. While in the car, they argued and Lott hit him with the gun. When the car stopped both young men got out and Lott allegedly shot him.

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"It's hard to imagine there are people in our society who have no regard for life it's just really disturbing," Shari Ramirez said.

Christopher Lott was first arrested by police on an unrelated charge for possession of a gun and drug paraphernalia. He was later charged with homicide while in jail. Ryan's parents have this advice for young people.

"One thing is to think twice about who you befriend and, listen to other people who might be trying to steer you right," the parents said.

Now their son, a graduate of Montour High School, the young man with the infectious smile and bright future is gone.

"He is, was the sweetest most generous person all of his friends were talking last night everyone said what a great friend he was," Shari Ramirez said.

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