Whoever repeatedly shot Toriano ``Tito'' Youngblood in the chest, killing him, in late September likely also stole Youngblood's prized possession: a gold chain and yellow medallion depicting Jesus carrying the cross.

Now police and Youngblood's mother are asking anyone who may have seen the jewelry to come forward and help find the person who killed Youngblood in his North Miami home.

``We're all still grieving,'' Yvonne Youngblood said Monday, fighting back tears. ``But it would give me closure [to catch his killer].

``He wore [the medallion] all the time,'' Youngblood added. ``He had just become a member of the church. He was trying to make a turnaround in his life.''

The shooting occurred about 4:15 p.m. Sept. 24 in Youngblood's home at 1325 NW 130th St. Investigators believe Youngblood knew the assailant and let him or her enter the home, because there were no signs of forced entry.

Despite the apparent robbery, police were not willing to say that was the motive. There was nothing else taken from the home, which is just two blocks from Ben Franklin Elementary School.

Youngblood was shot multiple times in the torso, but lived long enough to call 911. However, he was not able to identify the shooter to the call center, and died shortly thereafter.

``This occurred [about] 4 p.m. on a bright and sunny day,'' said North Miami police Lt. Neal Cuevas.

``We're hoping someone may have seen [the shooter] running from the home or a strange car in the neighborhood.''

Police hope to find the medallion, which in turn could help them locate the killer.

They have already made inquiries at local pawn shops.

Authorities ask anyone with information to call Detective S. Jones at 305-891-0294 or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).

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