Lives lost: Caught in the crossfire

Violence has marred the lives of many families in Chicago. From 2008 through 2012, nearly half of Chicago's 2,389 homicide victims were killed before their 25th birthday.

These people are more than statistics, but sons and daughters and their absence is felt everyday.

The following are some faces of the shooting victims...

Terrell Bosley, 18, was a college student majoring in music. His goal was to one day travel the world and become a famous bass player. He also enjoyed playing the drums. While in college he worked a part-time job and during his free time he'd attend church with his family.

His parents co-founded the group Purpose Over Pain. Its goal is to change the mentality of today's youth so that other parents will not have to feel their daily pain.

Sameere Conn, 13, was a star football player who dreamed of being in the NFL. The eighth grader was killed while he was walking home after a football game.

Arrell Monegan, 16, was very close to his sister; they lost their parents in a car crash when they were younger. He was described by friends as always being "funny and cool."

Arrell's family told the Chicago Tribune that his murder may have been a case of mistaken identity. Police still do not have information on a motive or possible suspects.

Darius Farley, 19, a student at Daley College, was known to have a great sense of fashion. He was very close to his four siblings, in particular, his little sister, Kyrsten.

Darius was in his car with a friend when he was shot. Reports say his family does not know if this was a robbery, road rage or a case of mistaken identity. His case remains unsolved.

Gregory Robinson, 14, had a passion for basketball and wanted to follow in his cousin's footsteps and join his high school's basketball team. The freshman at Simeon Career Academy died shielding two children from bullets fired at the car they were riding in.

Matthew Ramirez, 16, hoped to become a fireman and follow in his grandfather's footsteps. He loved basketball, adored Michael Jordan and was lucky enough to be a witness to the Chicago Bulls championships.

His mother says her Matthew chose not to be involved in gangs and it was this choice that led to his murder. She said a known gang member in the neighborhood targeted him purposely for his lack of choosing sides.

Nazia Banks, 12, enjoyed playing outside with his friends. He was outside playing when he was shot. His father had just called him to come inside the house.

Lazarus Jones, 13, liked Matchbox cars, vanilla ice cream, smooth jazz and summer days at the pool. His mother says he did well in school and teachers praised him. She says he was very excited about going to high school.

GeRod Thomas, 18, was a junior at Chicago Vocational Career Academy. He loved basketball, skating and dancing and flirting with girls. His close knit extended family called Thomas "Poppy" because of his large eyes.

According to reports, GeRod wanted to avoid trouble and mostly stayed inside his Bronzeville home while watching TV with his sister. His grandmother says he was not involved in gangs, though police think his shooting was a gang-related drive by.

Dequarius Cannon, or "D" as he was called by his friends and family, was a student who loved music and was considering joining the military after high school.

According to reports, the 17-year-old and his friend were approached at an intersection by someone demanding their valuables when he was shot.

Darius Brown, 13, an eighth grader at Holy Angels Catholic School, played basketball in the same park every day until he was shot and killed. He loved the Chicago Bulls and had a picture of Derrick Rose, who is also from the South Side, hanging on his wall. He dreamed of becoming a professional basketball player.

Darrell McKinney, 15, known as "D.J." to family and friends, was a rising sophomore at Orr Academy; he was a great student and athlete.

His brother, Mychael Henry, is the No. 2 high school basketball player in the state and says he'll dedicate every game he plays to his brother. According to the Chicago Tribune, Darrell was the unintended target of gunfire.

Cynia Cole, 2, was the youngest of three sisters and her nickname was "Coco." She was riding in a car with her family when she was shot.

Aliyah Shell, 6, was a kindergartner at Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez Elementary School. She loved to draw and had a purple and pink bedroom. Aliyah was preparing to go to a birthday party the day she was shot and killed.

Anthony Padron, 17, enjoyed riding his bike. He aspired to become an architect one day and start a business with his father. He created sculpted landscaping for the front yard of his family's home and had painted mural of the Virgin Mary in his bedroom. He was set to start his freshman year at St. Rita High School.

Deontae Smith, 19, was killed after shots were fired in a crowd at a block party in his community. He was struck in the back by a stray bullet. The day he was killed, Deontae had received a call from the Air Force scheduling an interview. There have been no arrests in this case.