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AUSTIN, Texas - January 4th made it two years since Tammy Williams lost her son Demond, affectionately known as D.J.
“It's been painful, heartbreaking, holidays are not the same,” said Williams.
Demond told her friends were picking him up and they were going hunting that day.
“That's what was told, hunting, and he never returned,” said Williams.
Later that night, his body was found on Sandifer Street, in the Austin's Colony neighborhood.
“I have no idea why he was in Austin’s Colony because that's not where he frequented,” said Williams.
According to investigators, Tanner Senn was the driver. Court documents say while on one or more drugs, Senn kept driving while his friends were trying to get into the car, ended up running over Walker in the process, and leaving the scene.
He was convicted of manslaughter and on Tuesday he was sentenced to ten years of probation.
“Whether he gets one day, life, it will not bring D.J. back but I really think it should’ve been a harsher punishment,” said Williams.
“I just don’t feel it was good enough for what all happened,” said TamRon Walker, Demond’s sister,
Williams showed up to court Tuesday and did something she said was for her own sanity.
“I did look him directly in the eyes to let him know, in my heart, I forgive him,” said Williams.
For his loved ones, reflecting on the old times hasn’t been easy.
“I always tried to protect him, being my little brother. It's been difficult, hard,” said Walker.
Even after not being satisfied with the justice system's decision, they hope they can find peace.