. >> reporter: alicia arnold is a mother preparing to do the unthinkable.own 22-year-old son. >> this afternoon, we went to -- his dad and i went to the funeral home to choose caskets. that is the most pain i've ever experienced. >> her son, garrett, was shot to death in edgewood neighborhood park in silver spring in the middle of the afternoon thursday. >> i am beyond comprehension with how someone could possibly do this to my son. >> he excelled in academics at paint branch high school on a full ride to moore house college, described a free spirit, he dropped out to find out what life had to offer. >> garrett had a very infectious smile. he had eyes glistening and gleaming. he had a beautiful young daughter. >> dozens of relatives and friends turned out at a nearby park to reflect on his life, hold a moment of silence and release balloons in his memory. >> i have lots of support to help me cope, but i don't think i will ever truly get over this. >> reporter: this is a loss that this family obviously will never get over. his mom tells me one thing would he