Families, faith leaders call for end to violence after teens' shooting deaths

PITTSBURGH — Families who have lost loved ones just weeks apart to violence gathered with Pittsburgh-area faith leaders Thursday night to demand change and an end to senseless killings.

The shooting deaths of teenagers Daija McCall and Dalon Williams remain unsolved.

"I feel that the kids need to know that somebody cares,” Williams’ mother, Connie Moore, said.

Williams, 17, was

after attending a court-ordered after-school program. So far, no arrests have been made in connection with his death.

Families and faith leaders came together Thursday for the City Wide Interfaith Service on violence and civic engagement. Among those in attendance were the parents and grandparents of shooting victims who said they’re tired of burying their children.

Theresa White knows the feeling too well. Her granddaughter,

. Isis was unintentionally shot in the head and died days later.

Two months to the date on Sept. 17, White’s

. McCall was shot multiple times while walking alone in broad daylight.

"Having that happen to her cousin, it just made me have to move. I couldn't sit there no longer and mourn,” White said.

She’s now working to curb what she calls the senseless violence in Pittsburgh, acting as a mentor to the youth and even writing a book. She called for peace and support during Thursday’s service, while the search continues for McCall’s killer.

"It's going to take people who care to come together in our communities to work with these young people, to get into a solution and out of the problem,” White said.

Leaders from all faiths said now is the time to act.

"Stop killing these kids. Stop killing each other," Moore said.

Also part of Thursday’s program was the unveiling of a document detailing strategies and ways to curb the violence.

CLICK HERE

to view a copy.

Cox Media Group