Taj Fields (L) pictured in a file photo with four-time heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield
MARYSVILLE — A well-liked Marysville boxing club operator was fatally shot in front of his young son at his club on Wednesday, November 2, 2016.
Officers responded at approximately 9 p.m. to the 400 block of Willow Street in Marysville and found Taj Fields, 43, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Witnesses told police that his eight-year-old son had been with him. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital where he died.
Sgt. John Osbourn said that Roman Zarate, 28, who had trained with Fields, was arrested and taken into custody at approximately 9:30 p.m. that same evening. He had stolen a car and was heading to Fresno where he has family.
Police are still trying to determine the motive.
Fields was a former boxer with Junior Olympics and Golden Gloves titles. He founded his boxing club—Hit Squad Boxing Center—in 2004.
The local newspaper—the Marysville Appeal-Democrat—reported that Fields was shot outside the door of his business. He had apparently told his son where to move to avoid being shot. The boy then ran to the nearby Casino Marysville for help.
The suspect, who is a 2009 Northern California Golden Gloves Champion, worked at one time for Fields. Zarate has a history of burglary and robbery arrests. He will face murder and vehicle theft charges in Marysville.
