Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

Monday afternoon, three teenagers appeared in court to face charges they gunned down 27-year-old Cornelius Woods last Thursday.

17-year-old Deshawn Gregg, 18-year-old Darius Jenkins and 19-year-old Nikita Thompson all face murder charges.  Investigators believe the shooting was tied to an argument from a few weeks ago.  Now the Woods' relatives say bringing the suspected killers to justice, brings comfort.

"One of them realized that he did something wrong, so he cried when I cried," said Woods' mother Eartha Dwyer Helms. 

It was a very emotional day inside the Sumter courtroom, as Helms came face to face with the three teens accused of killing her son.

"I'm angry but we've made mistakes and God forgave us," said Helms.  "So we have to learn how to forgive other people. But I still think justice needs to be served."

Woods was killed Thursday night in front of a house on Loring Drive.  Helms is now looking for justice.

"My baby is never going to come back," said Helms.  "They need to spend their time where they're at right now."

Helms says she's now in the fight of her life. The fight to help stop ongoing violence.

"I hope what happened to him will bring the community closer together," said Helms. 

She has a special motivation to keep fighting.

"His children," said Helms.  "I'm going to have to be there to be strong for them.

Woods leaves behind eight children, who range in age from nine-years to two-days old.  His daughter was born Sunday morning.  A daughter who will never know her father.

"He's going to be missed," said Helms. 

Even before the shooting, police were planning a community meeting to discuss improving the area.  That meeting is scheduled for Saturday, May 16th, at Love Covenant Church.