FLORIDA CITY, Fla. – Police continue their search for the shooter who fired the bullet that struck and killed a 9-year-old boy in Florida City over the weekend.
The pain that his family is feeling has been felt by other parents in this community before.
For that reason, some are coming together with hopes it will prompt someone who has that crucial tip to come forward.
Community leader Romania Dukes, who founded Mothers Fighting for Justice, was joined by other parents Tuesday in an emotional prayer as they gathered at the memorial for Antavious Scott.
“We lost a baby, God, that never had a chance to have life, God,” Dukes said. “We are losing too many kids, we losing our grandkids, we’re losing too many loved ones over senselessness.”
The 9-year-old boy -- known by his family as Tay Tay -- lost his life to a stray bullet in Florida City on Saturday night.
Sadly, the parents with Mothers Fighting for Justice know all too well the pain that comes with losing a child to gun violence.
“It is just terrible,” said Dukes. “It just brings back all the memories from all these moms.”
Dukes’ 18-year-old son, De’Michael, was hit by a stray bullet in 2014 and to this day, detectives have yet to find who fired the fatal shot.
“Still fighting for justice,” said Dukes. “Still trying to stand by these mothers’ sides to make sure they receive justice.”
Like Dukes, it is Antavious’ mother Shanika who is now hopeful her son’s killer will be caught after taking the life of her little boy.
The West Homestead Elementary School student was just playing football with friends when a hail of gunfire rang out in the apartment complex near Lucy Street and Redland Road.
But similar to Dukes’ case, she believes someone knows something.
“Our justice comes from our community,” said Dukes. “People don’t understand that justice comes from your next-door neighbor, your community involvement.”
Antavious’ death has hit the community hard.
Faith leaders gathered at the scene in prayer at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday
On Thursday, Dukes will be back with her organization at 11 a.m. to show their support for the boy’s family.
A GoFundMe was created to help his family with funeral expenses, and it can be found by clicking here.