SUFFOLK, Va. — On Monday night, families and friends gathered inside the Salvation Army gymnasium in Suffolk to honor the memory of William Goodman Jr. and Demonte Tillery.
“My father was a good man and a good father,” said one of Tillery’s sons.
Family members said their death was unexpected. Goodman’s family said William Goodman Jr. was getting ready to marry his fiancée, and Tillery's family said he just started working for William's company.
“[As a] Matter of fact, I just went to pick up our tuxedos and shoes for the wedding, and then this happened,” said William Goodman Jr.'s brother Justin Goodman.
Both men are victims of gun violence. Last Thursday night, Goodman and Tillery, along with three others, were shot outside of the H.M. White Bus Service building.
Police said Goodman died on the scene. Tillery later died at the hospital. Goodman’s family said he was an entrepreneur and businessman in the community. Goodman’s father, William Goodman Sr., said Goodman owned two businesses, Quality Tires, for seven years and recently started Good Guys Enterprise, a dump truck business.
Goodman’s brother, Justin Goodman, said on the night of the shooting, the five individuals were together fixing one of the dump trucks.
“They were trying to fix up the dump trucks, including my dad. He was there the entire week, but that night, he was tired, and he didn’t stay. So that night, everybody had one goal to fix up the dump trucks,” said Justin Goodman.
Goodman was the father of six children, while Tillery was the father of five children. In total, 11 children are left without their fathers.
“I’m going to say I forgive you, but I want you to pay for what you’ve done -- justice. I don’t want any retaliation, but I do want justice for my son,” said William Goodman Sr.
Several elected officials and Suffolk Police Chief James Buie attended the vigil. Chief Buie reminded people he urged the suspect or suspects to come forward.