Waynesville victim, 18, remembered

The life of Justin Back was celebrated Friday during a memorial service in the Waynesville High School gymnasium.

Back, 18, of Wayne Twp., was allegedly murdered Tuesday night at his home on Corwin Road, prompting grief and disbelief at the schools he attended, as well as in the Northmont school district in Montgomery County where the men accused of murdering him went to school.

“Don’t let what has happened overshadow such a wonderful man’s life,” classmate Miracle Ryan said during the service.

For an hour, friends, family and classmates recalled Back playing jokes, picking out a band name, running track, enjoying his life, while photos of him flashed on a big screen.

It was the latest public expression of grief since news of Back's death spread through the community Wednesday night.

In Lebanon, Warren County Sheriff Larry Sims said Wednesday a former schoolmate in Waynesville, Austin G. Myers, 19, and Timothy E. Mosley, of Clayton, Montgomery County, both 19, were being held in connection with his death.

Friends and family of Mosely and Myers, who both attended school at Northmont High School, also expressed remorse.

Back wore No. 27 as a receiver for the Spartan football team and also ran track as a freshman, sparking memories from classmate Andrew Briggs.

“You were one of the only friends I had and you were so cool,” Briggs wrote on a sign taped to the high-school wall.

On Friday, Briggs remembered their similar tempo as runners and common appreciation for the band Green Day.

“I always had someone to run with,” Briggs said. “He was so comfortable to talk to.”

Back also attended the Warren County Career Center in neighboring Clearcreek Twp. where he completed a Fire Science course. He was scheduled to enter to the U.S. Navy in February.

Donations will be collected at the Waynesville National Bank and Trust to help pay for burial expenses. Arrangements are pending with Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville.

About the Author