It's an alarming trend that affects younger victims over what have previously been petty disagreements. Shootings are now being fueled by trash talk, and social media spats.

The problem is aggravated by the city's many gangs that are splintering into smaller and smaller groups. They now number well over 600 and they are targeting children.

"Kids need parents and mentors and education and work opportunities. Instead, what they see in some parts of the city, as early as the first or second grade, are gangs and gang factions as a social network and an ostensible path to self-identity and success. Then we have lost the war before the battle has begun," Fardon said.