JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After more than two years since the shooting death of a man outside a Westside convenience store, his sister said Monday that she and her family are ready to see her brother's accused killer in court.
In December 2014, Sherad Dues was shot and killed outside the McDuff Food Mart. Just over 12 hours later, police said, Christopher Brown was arrested and charged with the 38-year-old's murder.
Jury selection wrapped up Monday in Brown's trial and opening arguments will begin Tuesday.
Dues' family members said they also hope Tuesday will be the day they begin to heal.
"(It's been) rough. It's like I want to slowly heal, but the scar is still there. I'm just ready for tomorrow and this week to be pretty much over with. It's time to re-open some wounds and just really, hopefully, bring closure for my family," said Victoria Johnson, Dues' sister.
Johnson described her brother as a father who had a presence that was taken too soon.
"His energy (was) very raw, 'I'm here. This is me,'" she said.
Investigators said Dues had been in an argument with a woman and later that evening, the woman went to Brown's home.
The woman and Brown then went to the store, where they ran into Dues, police said. After a minute-long altercation, police said, Dues was shot at point blank range in the torso and then Brown sped off.
Police said the shooting was recorded on the store's surveillance video, which allowed them to quickly identified the shooter and make the arrest.
The victim's family hope to deliver a message to Brown.
"I just want him to serve his time. Regardless of the amount of time he spends, it's not going to bring my brother back, but it will at least give him time to think about what he has done," Johnson said. "What he has done to my family, my nephew -- who will grow up without a father -- my mother. (I) just want him to think about it as long as he can be in there."
Johnson said she and her family is very appreciative of the Justice Coalition for being by their side for the last two years. The family plans to be in court Tuesday when opening arguments begin.