On Dec.7, 2009, Kavader Montez McKibben’s mother mourned the fatal shooting of her son at a candlelight vigil on Moreland Avenue in Atlanta.

McKibben’s death was the first of a rash of weekend killings that kept investigators busy in Atlanta, Roswell, College Park, East Point and Ellenwood – all unrelated.

A group of more than 100 people had gathered to remember McKibben, 21, a clerk who was gunned down while working at a liquor store.

“I just want justice for my child,” a tearful Trina McKibben told the crowd, which included then Mayor-elect Kasim Reed.

The newly elected mayor promised those assembled, "I'm going to wake up every single day making sure this stops right here, and right now."

McKibben’s killer, Terrone Anthony, was sentenced Thursday to life in prison after a Fulton County jury convicted him of felony murder, armed robbery and other charges 18 months after the slaying.

Investigators say Anthony, wearing a mask, and another suspect entered the Moreland Package Store on Dec. 4, 2009 and held McKibben, a clerk, at gunpoint while demanding money.

The store owner, Shaun Yu Yu, ran to the back and Anthony began a chase. Police say McKibben grabbed a gun and shot at Anthony, who returned fire, hitting McKibben in the stomach and buttock. He died at the scene.

The owner re-emerged from a back office with a gun and also began shooting, wounding Anthony in the leg and arm.

Anthony, leaving a trail of blood, fled on foot and was arrested a block away on Mortimer Street.

His co-defendant, Aaron Jackson, who was charged with armed robbery and murder, was acquitted.