Suffolk authorities believe deadly Central Islip shootings may have been part of a gang initiation.

Police say 21-year-old Keenan Russell, 21-year-old Derrick Mayes and 25-year-old Matthew Gilmore were shot and killed over a three-day span in Central Islip. While authorities say the deaths of Russell and Mayes may have been gang-related, they say the motive remains unclear in Gilmore's murder.

Town of Islip NAACP Vice President Marvin Smith and dozens of other area leaders came together with county officials today to discuss the murders.

Neighborhood and community leaders say something must be done to stem the tide of gang violence.