Memorial Held For 6-Year-Old Gunned Down In Miami

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Dozens gathered for a candlelight vigil after the latest victim of senseless gun violence was killed over the weekend.

Other children stood by with grieving family and friends while an ice cream truck played its innocent tune around the neighborhood.

Police said King Carter, just six years old, was outside of his home about to buy some candy when he was caught in the crossfire of what police are calling a shootout among rival drug dealers.

Mourners laid toys and lit candles for the young victim at the very spot where he collapsed, at his complex near N.W. 103rd Street and 12th Avenue.

"On school days, I get up and make french toast, eggs, bacon," said the boy's father, Santonio Carter, breaking down while speaking to the crowd.

He said his little boy was always with him -- his everything. Video taken recently and posted to Carter's Facebook shows King helping his dad with arts and craft -- a reminder, about the little things.

Community leaders came out to march, fed up with the recent shootings, especially those involving children. Police said this one involves three men to blame.

"The overwhelming majority of the community wants this to stop and there's a few that are causing the havoc," said Miami-Dade Police Director Juan Perez. "So we need to focus on those few and put them behind bars and bring justice to families like little Carter's."

In a black, four-door car, two of them got out and shot up the complex before speeding away.

The community is sure someone knows who the gunmen are.

"Let's make it safer for our kids to play in their front yards and their streets and their backyards. It shouldn't be a crime to be a child in Miami," said Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho.

King's mother pleaded for those who may be too afraid to speak out to come forward.

"There will be protection for you. Come forth, please," said Tangela Sears, the president of Mothers of Murdered Kids. "Put this coward away before it happens to your family. He's on the loose right now."

A source close to the investigation told CBS4's Donna Rapado that the shooting was part of an escalating drug war.

Anyone with information is urged to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS. The reward is up to $25,000 for info that leads to an arrest.