NORFOLK, Va. — There are new developments in the legal aftermath of a Norfolk man's death.
Jalen Garces, 29, faces murder and gun charges in connection to the June 2023 death of Ali Muhammad, the son of an anti-violence activist in Hampton Roads.
Now, the case will go into the hands of a grand jury.
On the heels of Garces' preliminary hearing Wednesday, the parents of Ali Muhammad reflect on what they describe as a long road to reach justice.
However, they said they're willing to wait even as the death of their son last summer weighs heavy to this day.
"It's putting a toll on our family," said Ali's mother, Cynthia Muhammad.
Cynthia and her husband Bilal Muhammad wiped away tears while saying they still can't believe what happened to their youngest son.
After facing multiple continued hearings in Norfolk General District Court, the case surrounding the suspect Garces is moving along and likely headed next to Norfolk Circuit Court.
Garces is accused of fatally shooting Ali, who was 33 years old when he was killed.
Norfolk police investigators believe Garces shot Ali on Bay Street in East Ocean View on June 29, 2023.
"We'll never heal completely, but we keep prayer out front and continue to unite as a family," said Bilal.
Bilal recounted being on the phone with his son who was preparing for his overnight shift. Ali was gunned down while parked and inside his car, Bilal said.
"Right after he told the guy to get out of his face, pow. I heard the shot and the gun sounded so loud," Bilal recalled.
That sound and Ali's last words being over the phone haunt Bilal to this day.
He has spent decades advocating and rallying against the very gun violence that took his son's life. Bilal pleaded with the community to stick together, especially during tough times.
Through it all, Ali's three young girls are pulling the couple through. "They talk about their daddy every day, every day," said Cynthia.
"They're our heartbeat, they're our strength," Bilal said.
And the children are part of Ali's legacy, the Muhammads explained.
"A working father, a person who loved his family, loved his children, loved the community," Bilal added.
In court Wednesday, prosecutors presented evidence in front of a judge and brought forward multiple witnesses against Garces during a preliminary hearing.
"With the evidence given [...], we feel better," said Bilal. "Hopefully before the trial ends, more information will come out."
The case is now certified to a grand jury, who will meet in secret either in early April or early May to determine whether there's probable cause to move forward in circuit court.
Prosecutors hope to set this case for trial sometime later this year.
Furthermore, online records show Garces is held at Western Tidewater Regional Jail.
He has an extensive criminal history dating back almost a decade, including six felonies.