'I just want to know why': Family of murdered 19-year-old from Franklin County host vigil, balloon release Friday night

Friends and family of 19-year old Hamilton Woods Jr gathered Friday night at Wake Forest Town Hall to honor his memory.

The event included a vigil, over 100 of his friends and family sharing stories and memories of Hamilton and a balloon release.

"I just felt love, that's all," Woods' mother, Latoya Eaton, said. "I feel the love from everyone. it makes me very happy."

Woods was killed on January 29 in Youngsville. Eaton still is not sure why it happened.

"I just want to know why?," Eaton asked. "Why?"

In January, two people were arrested and charged for the murder of the 19-year-old. Two other people were also arrested at that time, also in connection to the murder of Woods.

According to deputies, 18-year-old Gavin Lloyd Miller and 19-year-old Dillon Thomas Piper -- the two teens charged with second-degree murder -- went to Kerigon Lane that evening with Brooke Harper. Deputies said she was intent on getting into a fight with Autumn Futrell.

Woods' family said they think charges are not enough.

"It's not enough because what we heard, what we know, he deserves first-degree [murder]." Cannady said. "He knew what he was doing. He knew he came there and he took a life."

Deputies said the trio arrived at the Kerigon Lane cul-de-sac with a loaded gun, according to prosecutors, and intended to use the weapon if necessary.

Franklin Co. Sheriff: 4 arrested in connection to murder of 19-year-old

According to Miller's attorney, Jeffrey Cutler, when the trio arrived at Kerigon Lane, Futrell pulled Harper from the vehicle and "violently" assaulted her.

Cutler said Miller shot and killed Woods because he feared for the lives of Harper, himself and Piper. Hamilton’s sister, Destiny Cannady, says Miller took the wrong approach.

"If you are in a fight and you get punched, why would you need a gun?" Cannady asked.

Woods’ family held a vigil for him in April; over 100 people attended the service.

Nearly a year since's his death, Woods’ family and friends continue searching for answers.

"Our biggest thing is focusing on getting justice and having the truth come to light about what exactly happened," Cannady said.

Both Piper and Miller remain in jail under $5 million bond.

WRAL News reached out to the special prosecutor assigned to this case asking if charges will be upgraded and investigating if this was a hate crime based on previous social media post involving the suspects.