Wearing T-shirts printed with "Why My Life?" and a pair of red tennis shoes, relatives of Tavin Price came to court Monday as the three men accused of killing Price appeared before a judge.
"It's very disturbing to see they still have their life and here we are without my nephew," said Cashimier Smith, the victims aunt.
Her nephew was shot and killed after three men asked him about his gang affiliation because he was wearing red shoes.
The 19-year-old developmentally disabled man walked away from the men, but was followed and shot from behind several times in front of a car wash.
The killing happened in front of Price's mother, so she may be called to testify.
"She's trying to deal with the other children and she's trying to stay strong for them but when you lose one of your children you can't hold it together," Cashimier Smith said.
Dwight Kevin Smith, 30; Kevin Deon Johnson, 25; and the alleged shooter Kanasho Johns, 27, are charged in Price's murder.
Police have identified all three as gang members.
Tensions ran high in court as family and friends of both sides sat in the courtroom.
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At one point, a young woman made gestures toward Price's mother, which she perceived as intimidating.
Deputies escorted the young woman out of the courtroom and the prosecutor reminded everyone witness intimidation would not be tolerated.
"They have been intimidating her. There's been several threats against her life and today they showed they in court weren't having it," Cashimier Smith said.
Shortly after the slaying, police arrested a 27-year-old woman on suspicion of witness intimidation.
Price's mother says she will continue to attend every court proceeding.
