JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jerry Brown would have turned 23 Tuesday, but he was shot and killed in his car in an apparent drive-by shooting in Jacksonville last month.
On Brown's birthday, hundreds of people, many who didn't even know him, showed up in Hemming Plaza to celebrate his life as the search continues for his killer.
"To not be able to call him and sing a made up birthday song and hear that laugh, he had a laugh that just roared through," said his cousin, Chevie Green.
Although his family will never hear his laugh again, in his absence those who loved him filled the air with music, dance, and praise.
"He was a very god fearing inspirational person who just loved the lord," said John Spencer.
To those who knew him, Brown was their hero. "Superman because he went over and beyond for everyone, so I said, 'Hey let's replace the S with the J because he's my superman,'" said Green.
She says he was a superhero with a special kind of power. "He walked in the room, he was joy, and if you were sad you couldn't stay sad. He didn't allow it. I'm trying to keep my smile because that's what he would be doing."
Brown's family and the police are still searching for answers and the person or people responsible. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers 866-845-TIPS.