DETROIT – Prosecutors admit this case has taken a long time to develop.
The victim's family says they're trusting the system. They were in court Wednesday morning as 35-year-old Detroit firefighter Terrill Hardaway was arraigned on a murder charge.
Hardaway's lawyer pleaded with the judge for a low bond in 36th District Court, saying Hardaway is a decorated firefighter and not a flight risk.
Hardaway is charged with second degree murder and felony firearm in connection to the shooting death of 41-year-old Tony Jackson back in December 2012. The shooting happened at a bar in the 19300 block of Schoolcraft on Detroit's west side where Jackson worked as a disc jockey.
Investigators say the two men got in a fight inside the club and were kicked out by security. While outside both men pulled out guns and fired shots. Hardaway was hit once in the shoulder while Jackson was shot multiple times.
In court, the prosecutor said Hardaway came to the same bar twice before the deadly incident, threatening Jackson. The family says they have waited for more than a year for prosecutors to bring charges against Hardaway.
"It's called patience is a virtue. Patience is a virtue. We're still going through the ups and downs of missing him during the process," said Latonya Jackson, the victim's sister.
A judge gave Hardaway a $500,000 bond but reduced it to $150,000 after an appeal. Jackson's family says they're going to continue to fight for justice for Tony.
"He was a wonderful young man. He's going to be sorely, sorely missed," said Latonya Jackson.
Hardaway is due back in court on Feb. 25.
-- Tony Jackson