Grace's attorney, Spencer West, said his client ``didn't have anything to do with the shooting. It's a case of the police having arrested the wrong man for this crime.''

Johnson, who belongs to the parents group, said coping was relatively easy at first. Subsequent months have been harder. He has grown weary of the antiviolence rallies and prayer vigils.

``The second year was harder than the first year. This year, it gets harder. Seems like it's supposed to get easier. But I don't see results in the crime. I see crime getting worse.''

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, homicide is the second leading cause of death for young people age 10 to 24. It is the leading cause of death for African Americans in that age group.

TAKING ACTION

THEIR MISSION OF AWARENESS

IS ONE FOUNDED ON HOPE

The parents in the informal support group -- resolved to try to end the urban carnage -- are fixtures at antiviolence rallies. Sometimes they stand silently in clusters with other parents, wearing T-shirts emblazoned with images of their children. Other times they speak out.

After Deon and Rashawn Beneby, ages 21 and 22 respectively, were gunned down at a Liberty City housing project on April 17, Brown organized a candlelight vigil to remember the deceased and comfort family members.

She passed out candles and coaxed reluctant neighbors to join the small group that had gathered for prayer and reflection.

Nearby, Arleen White held a poster showing a drawing of a gun with the words ``Stop the violence.''

Miami-Dade police say no arrests have been made in the Beneby brothers' shootings. Detectives said they believe the brothers dealt drugs, robbed fast-food customers and helped kill rivals.

If nothing else, Brown and White say, their rallies and vigils are aimed at trying to raise young people's awareness about the violence -- and to point out that they can take other paths.

At the April vigil, young people recognized and hugged White. They were former middle- and high-school classmates of her deceased son. White thanked one young lady and asked about her life.

``Did you graduate from high school yet?''

''No, not yet'' the young woman said quietly, with a sheepish grin.

''You can still do it,'' said White, a hint of determination rose in her voice.

Said Brown: ``These kids don't have hope. We've got to give them hope.''

PURSUIT OF JUSTICE

THE NECESSITY OF SUPPORT

IN AND OUTSIDE COURTROOM

Recently, some moms embraced Trina Kancey, whose son, Samuel Brown, was killed last year while attending a graduation party at the Polish American Club. He was 16.

Several of the parents have pledged to go with Kancey to an upcoming court hearing in the case against LaBron Brown, who is charged with second-degree murder in the deaths of Samuel Brown and Michael Bradshaw Jr.

''We have to be there because there's strength in what you're going through,'' said Queen Brown. ``We have to be there for Trina. It's a scary thing.''

Queen Brown, Samuel Brown and LaBron Brown are not related.

Samuel Brown would have graduated from Norland High School last month. Mom mustered the courage to attend the ceremony June 12 at BankUnited Center in Coral Gables.

It was a measure of comfort for Kancey. Sam was her ''shining star'' who volunteered at the Miami Rescue Mission, visited the elderly and tutored underachieving students ``at such a young age. I just miss having him at home.''