MOURNERS in the US were gathering on Friday to pay their last respects to a 37-year-old black man who was shot dead by two white police officers in Louisiana.
The killing helped fuel protests nationwide over the treatment of African-Americans by the country's police.
Alton Sterling was shot outside a convenience store in Baton Rouge on July 5 in an incident that was caught on video. The shocking recordings, filmed on at least two mobile phones, were broadcast worldwide.
Mr Sterling's death was the start of a tumultuous week in American race relations.
The following day, Philando Castile was shot dead by a police officer in Minnesota during a traffic stop, with his girlfriend streaming the aftermath of the black man's death live in Facebook.
On July 7, as people outraged by police killings took to the street in Dallas, an African-American man opened fired, killing five police officers there.
Protests over police treatment of blacks drew thousands in Baton Rouge, and the department of justice has opened an investigation into Mr Sterling's shooting.
His family has called for the officers to be prosecuted. Police said in a search warrant that officers saw the "butt of a gun" in Mr Sterling's pocket during the arrest and that he tried to reach for it during the altercation.
Mr Sterling leaves behind five children. His 15-year-old son, Cameron Sterling, spoke to reporters briefly this week for the first time, telling people his father was a good man, while calling for protesters to be peaceful.
Authorities arrested about 200 people in Baton Rouge during the protests last weekend, with demonstrators accusing the police of heavy-handed tactics.
"I feel that people in general, no matter what their race is, should come together as one united family," Cameron told reporters on Wednesday outside the store where his father died.
The teenager remained composed as he spoke. The previous week, he broke down in tears and had to be led away as his mother talked in front of television cameras about the death.
During an interview last week, Cameron's mother, Quinyetta McMillon, spoke fondly of the boy's father, recalling his trepidation watching his son take his first steps. She called them the "Doublemint twins" because they both liked snacks.
A public viewing was scheduled at Southern University in Baton Rouge followed later in the day by a funeral service.
The Rev Al Sharpton and US Representative Cedric Richmond were scheduled to speak at Mr Sterling's funeral service.
