Illusions of peace shatter

Army Sgt. Anita Shaw, left, Jamiel’s mother, hugs her younger son, Thomas, while friends and family hold photographs of the football star during a press conference held not far from where her son was shot and killed. She was serving her second tour of duty in Iraq when she learned of her son’s death.  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Neighbor Sydney Weisman, center, stands alongside Jamiel Shaw Sr. at a memorial for his son, who was shot and killed Sunday in front of their 5th Avenue home.  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Friends and neighbors gather at a candlelight vigil in the 5th Avenue neighborhood to mourn the death of a promising young man.  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Jamiel’s cousin, India, writes his name on the street using wax that had dripped from the memorial candles.  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Jamiel regularly visited his neighbor, Mitzi Misawa, a Japanese American who was sent to an internment camp during World War II. He called her Grandma.  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

A sign hangs in memoriam of Jamiel near the area on 5th Avenue where he was killed. The neighborhood is a mix of cultures and the shooting has left residents shocked and grieving. “We need outrage,” says one member of the block.  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Phillip, 19, and Marcus, left, were two of Jamiel’s best friends. Phillip theorized that Jamiel’s death was caused by young gangsters who were “looking for a body” so they could “get their stripes.”  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Neighbors stand arm in arm on 5th Avenue, united against the violence that has pierced their once peaceful neighborhood. “The block is together,” affirms one resident.  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)