Family and friends want murder charge, not manslaughter, for a 26-year-old man beaten and stabbed

DETROIT (WXYZ) - Family and friends of 26-year-old Charlie Hernandez held a candle light vigil and plan a protest at court on Tuesday demanding a murder charge, not manslaughter, for the man accused of killing Charlie. 

It happened back on December 17th at an apartment building on Vinewood in southwest Detroit. Family members say Charlie, who was openly gay and slightly challenged, stepped on some sunglasses by accident. 

Two men reportedly got angry, used gay slurs and started hitting Charlie. He hit back and the fight escalated and someone pulled a knife and in the end Charlie lay dead.

His mom Anna says she found him covered in blood, nearly naked. 

Two men were arrested, one was released and the other, Titus Willis, is charged with manslaughter.

Charlie's family says that's not enough. So they said prayers and lit candles and say they won't give up until they feel they have justice for Charlie.

They say he was a good person who wouldn't hurt anyone and they can't believe he was killed because he stepped on a pair of sunglasses.