Grief-stricken family members are in shock following the drive-by shooting death of a 12-year-old in Bridgeport.

Police say Clinton Howell was shot once in the chest Tuesday night outside his home on the east end of the city. Howell later died at Bridgeport Hospital.

Parents Carlton Howell and Cynthia Dawkins were surrounded Wednesday by family members still reeling from the worst shock of their lives.

"I miss him," says Carlton Howell. "I can't imagine he gone."

Clinton was a seventh-grader at Bridge Academy. His parents say he loved school and spending time with his five brothers and three sisters. He also enjoyed playing video games.

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Police say Howell was not the intended target when he was shot after going to the store to buy a snack.

"All I heard is boom, boom," says Dawkins. "Two shots I heard."

The young football fan was beloved by his parents, his pastor and his peers. He would have turned 13 next month.

A stuffed animal now sits outside on the fence as a tribute.