it happened as 66-year-old john parnell was getting ready for a community barbecue. later today, friends and family will pay tribute to the man they called the community mayor. >> every day, you know, you hear something on tv. it's like, wow, i wonder if those were the guys. >> for the last year the twins have been desperately searching for closure after their father was gunned down preparing for a july fourth barbecue. d.c. police say that 66-year-old john parnell was killed on nelson place in southeast d.c. during a robbery gone wrong. >> just to know my dad's life was worth less than $100 is extremely frustrating. and it really makes me angry. >> last july 3rd, around 4:00 in the afternoon, neighbors were preparing for the annual community cookout. suddenly, police say five men with guns ambushed the barbecue area demanding money. parnell, who spent much of his life as a protective services officer, stepped in trying to defend his neighbors. that's when witnesses say he was shot in the neck and stomach and died on the scene. >> residents here in this southeast nei