HENRICO COUNTY, Va. — Trauma has taken over the lives of 16-year-old Highland Spring student's, Markell "Muggy" Holt's, family.
The family shared stories about the love they have for their teenager and memories they wish they could get back. But they also talked about the traumatic way they believe he was murdered.
“He befriended someone he thought was for him,” said Muggy's mom, Tenita Holt.
Tenita said the family let a friend of Muggy's stay over the night his murder happened. She said she wanted the kids to be in a safe home, no matter what they were going through.
She said she told her son that his friend had to be out early in the morning because they had to go his grandfather's funeral the next day. But around midnight as the family was asleep in their apartment, they woke up to the sound of a single gunshot.
When they ran out of their rooms, they saw the their front door wide open and then found Muggy shot dead in his room, according to Tenita.
“I opened my door to someone coming into my house and murdered my child.. walking past my bedroom and not asking for help… walking past my room.. not ask for help… and not scream for help,” she said.
Police said they have arrested one teen and charged him with having a gun underage. They said more charges could be forthcoming.
Tenita called the act cold-hearted.
The family is now left remembering their son who loved football, music and video games and was always there to help his family.
“Muggy meant the world to us. He will forever be in our soul, our thoughts, our prayers," said his grandmother. “I wish I could tell him I loved him one more time."
The family will hold a funeral on Monday. To help with expenses, you can donate to their GoFundMe.
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