The loved ones of a 26-year-old man shot and killed in Bed-Stuy on Jan. 17 held a candle-light vigil on Tuesday and discussed how they would like to see him remembered.

Tyjzhaniq Chery-Patterson says she and Elquan Tillman grew up together, attending the same schools since elementary, but most recently reconnecting this past October.

“I just screamed,” said Patterson. “I screamed. I started crying and I started really looking to see what happened.”

Police sources say Tillman was shot nine times. His body was found on the sidewalk on Stockton Street, just feet away from where he lived.

“Justice needs to be served no matter the story,” said Patterson. “ I don't care about the story. I don't care about the ‘there’s always two sides of the story.’ I don't care. He needs justice, because nobody deserves to be gunned down like an animal.”

Her message to his killer is clear.

“Put the guns down. It doesn't solve anything. I don't understand why people can't just put up their fists and fight nowadays. People just want to shoot and kill. See how you can reconcile without having to take somebody's life.”

Off camera, family members of Tillman are still unable to find the words to describe what they are feeling. Their biggest task is taking care of the young son he now leaves behind.

Police say they have not located any suspects or shared any motive about his killing.