Youth Concert Honors Legacy Of Teen Killed In Castro Valley

CASTRO VALLEY, CA — An East Bay summer music program continues to honor the life and legacy of Jenny Lin, a 14-year-old killed inside her Castro Valley home more than 30 years ago.

On Saturday, teens will culminate this year's month-long music program with a concert at Chabot College in Hayward. Tickets are free.

"My daughter Jenny Lin, she was a lover of music; she played viola, she played piano, and she was very good at them," John Lin told Fox News on Wednesday morning. "She was playing music with friends the day we lost her."

Jenny was in her Castro Valley home on May 27, 1994, when she was fatally stabbed. The 14-year-old's murder shocked the Castro Valley community and has remained unsolved for decades.

Police believed convicted serial killer Sebastian Alexander Shaw was responsible for Jenny's murder, but he was never formally charged. Shaw died in 2021.

The suspect was identified as a man between 30 and 45 years of age in 1994, between 5 feet 8 inches and 6 feet tall and thin with gaunt features.

After all these years, Jenny's parents continue to hold out hope for justice.

"We are optimistic that this case will be solved one day soon," Lin told Fox News. "

Following her death, Lin's parents started the Jenny Lin Foundation, which promotes child safety and youth music education.

"Throughout her life, Jenny maintained the most vibrant, vivacious, and easy-going personality," according to the foundation. "Her big eyes and big smile always welcomed a good time; she loved to play around and be silly whenever she found the chance."

"Even at her young age, she knew the secret to a happy and fulfilling life and helped others around her to discover the same," they added.

Today, the foundation sponsors music and safety events across the East Bay, including the free youth music camp and program.