Kye Schaefer was stabbed multiple times in a car park on the NSW north coast after he'd arrived to go surfing at the beach, and died after being taken to the Coffs Harbour Base Hospital.
Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty has described the "savage" attack as "random and unprovoked".
Police continue to investigate but have identified the person responsible, with Schaefer's father encouraging them to come forward.
"Just be honest and own up to your mistakes in life… everyone makes them," Tony Schaefer said in a statement on Wednesday.
Kye's mother Pam outlined the heartbreak the family had felt since their son's death, while paying tribute to the local community for helping them through the tough times.
"No words can describe how we're feeling, the sheer loss of our faith in humanity," she said.
"The love and support of our family and friends have been absolutely phenomenal, that's what's kept us out of this black hole."
Ms Schaefer called on any potential witnesses or people with information to contact police, even if they aren't sure what they know is important.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
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