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Family Of Children Killed Call For Answers At Community Meeting

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- A heartbroken mother addressed City of Miami Police homicide investigators during a community meeting held in Overtown on Wednesday.

"I just want you all to please find out who killed my baby. That's all I'm asking for. Please he didn't deserve it," said Marlon Eason's Mother Liz Ruffin.

City and county officials held the gathering to address the separate shootings that took place two weeks ago on the same day, March 24th, injuring several teenagers and killing 10-year-old Marlon Eason and 16-year-old Richard Hallman.

"My body's hurting. My head is hurting. My heart is hurting. My son was a bright person. He was supposed to be an engineer," said Richard Hallman's Mother Tranell Harris.

"We're out of patience and we want answers. We're advocating to the community," said Marlon's Uncle Richard Ruffin.

Click here to watch Oralia Ortega's report. 

But as the group gathered and also prayed to come up with solutions to stop the violence, Miami Police were on the scene of yet another shooting. This time at Curtis Park at 2300 Northwest and North River Drive surrounded by crime scene tape as an 18-year-old girl was shot in the leg.

City of Miami Police hope through community meetings like Wednesday's to generate leads and open up the lines of communication between law enforcement and citizens.

"There's a mistrust in the community and what we're trying to do is build that trust and one way to build that trust is to establish a community," said Assistant Chief Anita Najiy with the Miami Police Department.

"I'm so hurt right now. I ask God to give me strength every day. Whoever know who took my son's life, just please say something," said Richard Hallman's Mother Tranell Harris.

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