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Mother of fatally shot Orlando teen begs assailant to come forward

ORLANDO, Fla. — A 14-year-old boy was fatally shot near the Mall at Millenia on Saturday, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies said the shooting occurred near J.R. Street and Star Bright Drive around 6 p.m.

The victim, Antony Reid, was found with a gunshot wound and taken to the hospital, where he died, deputies said.

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The Memorial Middle School student would have turned 15 next month.

Neighbors said a group of children were playing outside when the shooting happened.

They said the area is usually a quite, safe place, but that feeling of security has been rattled by the shooting.

Annie Pratt, the victim's mother, told Channel 9 that she wants the gunman to understand her pain.

"That's my last son. My only son," she said. "And you take my only son from me? Yes, it hurts, and it hurts really bad."

Pratt said the past month has been one full of grief.

"His dad's birthday was just on the 18th. Dad lost his child two days after his birthday," she said. "He buried his last brother on his birthday, now you've got to bury your child? That's not fair to us."

Pratt said her son had been playing basketball with friends moments before gunfire rang out. She said he loved playing sports.

"The way he interacts with kids, his little brothers, anybody that come in contact with him -- they love him," she said. "It's not OK to take someone's life. It isn't OK."

Pratt said she will organize a vigil for her Saturday, and a funeral will be held May 4.

Deputies said they are searching for suspects and an investigation is ongoing.

"They just need to come forwrad and tell what they know," Pratt said.

No other information has been released.

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