Family of teenager shot, killed on East End wants to send message to community

CHARLESTON, WV (WCHS/WVAH) - A Charleston family is shattered after their loved one was shot to death on the East End.

Police said James Means, 15, was shot twice Monday night by William Pulliam, 62, after an argument that started when the two apparently bumped into each other outside the Dollar General on Washington Street.

"My son is in a safer place now, and we all love him," Nafia Adkins said of her son.

The boy’s aunt, Teresa Means, said James – a young boy who had his entire life ahead of him -- will be greatly missed.

"James could put a smile on anybody's face no matter the situation," Teresa Means said. "He was funny. He was smart. He was loving."

Police said he was shot twice in front of his friends after an apparent verbal argument with Pulliam. In an exclusive interview with Eyewitness News, Pulliam said he felt threatened and had no other choice than to act.

Members of Means' family said they are trusting the justice system to do its job.

"I'm going to leave everything up to the courts to take care of this man and do whatever they have to do to make him be punished as well as my son had to suffer and my family had to suffer through this," Adkins said.

The family does want to send a message to James' friends and other members of the community. They said they aren't looking for revenge and are only looking for support.

"We don't want anyone posting any type of hatred or revengeful words on Facebook because James wouldn't want it and we don't want it," Means said.

Seeking solace in each other and their faith, they said they are confident justice will be served for James.

"We don't hold a grudge, so nobody else should hold a grudge. We all have to forgive and let everything take its place," Adkins said.

The family has set up a GoFundMe account and an account at Huntington Banks for anyone wishing to donate to the teen's funeral expenses.