Family, friends mark anniversary of King Carter's death

King's father says he hasn't been able to sleep since son's death

MIAMI – A poignant display of sadness and hope dotted the night sky over Hadley Park on Monday, where moments earlier, a family torn apart by gun violence was able to smile.

Balloons spelled out King Carter’s first name. The letters were held tightly by the boy's teammates, who lost their best friend one year ago.

“(I miss) playing with him, having fun with him (and) playing football with him,” King Pierce said.

The journey onto the field where King played football wasn’t easy. No amount of prayer made the one-year mark of the boy’s death any easier on his family.

"I'm here beside my husband because he needs me the most,” King’s mother said. “It’s an unbearable day."

A walk along Northwest 17th Avenue near 54th Street was a testament to the impact the 6-year-old had on those who knew him.

"It’s overwhelming,” said Santonio Carter, King’s father. “It’s a great feeling that the community (and) the whole village come out and support and uplift and (give) love and gratitude. We appreciate it from the depths of our heart."

King was shot to death in the parking lot of his Northwest Miami-Dade apartment building. He was the victim of an online feud between teenagers that ended in gunfire as King walked to buy candy.

As for how the family is holding up, Carter said, “I'm taking it a day at a time and sticking to truth and honesty. (I’m) not waiting on politicians, police or pastors to come out. I'm stepping out on my own two feet and making it happen.”

Leonard Adams, 18, Irwen Presley, 17, and a third teen were charged in the boy’s death.

The Carter family shares an unfortunate bond with others who have been hurt by bullets.

"We didn't lose our babies in vain,” said Dominique Brown, whose daughter was killed. “We have to put our (feet to the) gas and not let up."