$4 MARIJUANA DEBT GETS 16-YEAR-OLD KILLED

OAKLAND -- A 16-year-old Alameda boy was stabbed to death during an
argument about a $4 marijuana debt, police say.

Thomas Jones Hoaglin died Aug. 26 during a fight with another 16-year-old
who confessed to police and was charged with murder Friday, police said.

Oakland police Sgt. Joe Olivas said the suspect somberly but
matter-of-factly described his involvement in the slaying.

Police said the youth apparently had enough money in his pocket to pay the
$4 he owed Hoaglin, who died less than two weeks after turning 16.

Mercury News staff and wire reports.