Families of gun victims march in Daytona Beach, calling for the end of violence

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — It was an emotional morning as members of the Daytona Beach law enforcement, community leaders, and relatives of gun violence victims marched side by side at the “Guns Down March” on Saturday.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

Walking side by side, they called for peace and demanded solutions to ending gun violence.

Dozens of mothers told their heartbreaking stories and expressed grief due to the losses of their children, whose lives were cut short.

Read: DeSantis signs alimony bill that would overhaul state’s laws

For some at the march, like Sharonda Elliot, it has been two decades since her loss. On November 10, 2002, Elliot’s brother Bruce L. Johnson Jr. was shot and killed.

But it’s been just a few months for others, like the family of 24-year-old Lawrence Davis, who was shot and killed at a car detailing shop in Holly Hills.

“When you take a life, you don’t just take; you don’t just hurt the victim’s family. You hurt your family too,” said Lashandra Miles, Davis’ mother.

Read: FDLE: More than two dozen charged with running high-end car theft ring

Channel 9 spoke to Daytona Beach Chief Jakari Young earlier this year on how the City’s police department addresses the seven people killed in shootings and dozens of others hurt in 2023.

“We have intensified our collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to enhance intelligence and sharing coordination of our enforcement efforts,” said Young.

Read: Seniors may be eligible for $5K to save on energy bills

While not all homicides have been solved this year, through that joint investigation, police said they learned Travis Deshawn Hubbert was not the intended target. Authorities said they believe Javin Clayton killed him on Tucker Street in January.

Travis Deshawn Hubbert’s grandmother, Grace Robinson, said the loss had devastated her. “He was not only my grandson; he was my friend,” she said.

Read: Marion County fatal crash shuts down County Road 484, FHP says

Chief Young said he hopes the community can do its part as well. “Any and all help on that would be greatly appreciated,” Young said.

Families of victims marched Saturday in Daytona Beach, calling for the end to gun violence Families of victims marched Saturday in Daytona Beach, calling for the end to gun violence (WFTV)

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2023 Cox Media Group