BOARDMAN-- The tiny Boardman police department is handing over a murder investigation to the county sheriff's office.

Ariel Velasco, 16, was found shot Dec. 18 and died in the hospital.

The East Oregonian says the Boardman police department, which has 11 people, turned over the investigation into Velasco's death to the Morrow County Sheriff's Office. Boardman Detective Sgt. Frank Rivera said he never has led a homicide investigation but it was difficult to decide to hand over the responsibility.

Authorities said the fatal shooting may be gang-related.