PORTSMOUTH, Va. — On Friday evening, family, friends and co-workers gathered in the Valvoline parking lot off Frederick Boulevard to remember 23-year-old Benjamin Nesbitt who was shot to death earlier this month.
"Benjamin has been smiling since the day he was born," said Nesbitt's mother, Charese Nesbitt.
His mother said he was expecting his second child, so in addition to working at Valvoline, he also began cutting lawns.
"He was getting a lot of things in order for himself, his life, and his family," said Nesbitt.
However, his life was tragically cut short on Feb. 9.
Court documents show that 19-year-old Ahleesha Sykes showed up at Valvoline with a plan to kill Nesbitt and herself. Documents reveal a nearby officer heard the gunshots, chased down Sykes and arrested her. Police are calling the incident domestic.
"It is not okay for you to get angry to point at somebody when you want to take someone's life," said Charese Nesbitt.
While loved ones spoke fondly of the 23-year-old, Nesbitt's mother urged people to think twice before picking up a gun.
"But you definitely need to think about what you're doing before you pick up a gun," she said.
On Tuesday, Feb. 20 Nesbitt will be laid to rest.
Meanwhile, Sykes is charged with first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and shooting in the commission of a felony.