(MOBILE, Ala.) - The suspect charged with gunning down a man while he was pumping gas last year will go on trial for murder.
Police say Kendramei Jones walked up to Willie Gunn at the Texaco Gas Station on St. Stephens Road and shot him. The 29-year-old victim was studying to become a teacher, and had already earned two degrees from separate colleges.
Jones appeared before a judge on Wednesday for a status hearing. He informed the court that he's ready for his murder trial.
"It's been so hard," expressed Willie's sister Lavorsha Gunn. "We had our first Thanksgiving, our first Christmas without him. It's just been so hard for the family. We try to cope with it, but the memories, it's just still very hard for us."
It's been 11 months since Willie was shot to death as he sat inside his car. On Wednesday, more than a dozen of his family members showed up to face the accused shooter in court.
Jones said he's not guilty of the crime and he's ready to go to trial.
"It's really hurtful knowing that he has this type of attitude. He's not admitting to what he did," added Lavorsha.
Family members said Willie was just an innocent bystander, trying to pump gas.
The 29-year-old had his whole life ahead of him. He was a graduate of Blount High School, Troy University and Alabama State. He had aspirations of becoming a teacher.
Jones' trial is set for April 24, 2012.
