by , 8:00 AM EDT, July 6th, 2005

Apple CEO Steve Jobs called the father of a 15-year-old Pennsylvania boy killed last week in New York City by three men who wanted his iPod, telling him he understood his loss.

The New York Times reported Wednesday the Apple co-founder and CEO contacted Errol Rose, the father of Christopher.

"He told me if there is anything - anything - anything he could do, to not be afraid to call him. It really lightened me a bit," Mr. Rose said. "He was so familiar. After every word, he paused, as if each word he said came from his heart."

Three assaliants were arrested for the teenagers murder. One remains in New York police custody. The attack follows a number of attacks on commuters in the 'Big Apple' over the past few months.

"We live in a world which is changing rapidly," Mr. Rose said. "We have the technology that can give us the iPod and everything else, but it's not all these things. We have to work on the minds and the hearts. We're failing these kids. We're not loving them like we're supposed to."