MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A South Florida community celebrated the birthday of a child Wednesday who lost his life earlier this year to gun violence.
King Carter would have turned 7 years old Wednesday, and his family is doing their best to keep his memory alive.
"Everybody, it's about peace and love, peace and love," King's father, Santonio Carter, said.
The group released dozens of balloons in honor of King's birthday, some of which were "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" themed, representing King's favorite movie.
Santonio Carter recalled the horrific day back in February when his son was killed. King was walking to a nearby store to buy candy when he was caught in the crossfire of a shooting.
"On his route to the candy house, some guys (were) beefing over a social media site and came shooting at each other (in) broad day. My son got caught in the middle of a gun war and got struck in the chest," Carter said.
Two teens, Tamar Teems and Irwen Pressley, face charges in King's death, as well as 18-year-old Leonard Adams.
Adams' mother, Tameka Thompson, was also arrested because police said she tampered with evidence by helping to hide her son's 1999 Lexus that was used in the shooting.
Police said the three suspects drove to the Blue Lake Village apartment complex at 1225 NW 103rd Lane Feb. 20 where their target, who goes by "Ju Ju," lives and exchanged gunfire.
Ju Ju shot back and was injured, but King, who was walking across the parking lot, was struck in the chest, police said.
Police said Thompson paid a man $50 to get rid of the car that was damaged with bullet holes.
It's now been six months since the Carter family lost their son -- a thought that still stings every day.
"Happy birthday King," his father said. "He right out here with us. He might not be here in flesh, but he's here in spirit."