Hearing reveals what happened before Franklin Co. teen was shot and killed

FRANKLIN COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Two suspects accused of murdering a teenager last week in Franklin County will be back in court on Friday after their case was continued.

Just five days after burying their son, Hamilton Woods' parents were in court for the hearing. His mom started crying as the first defendant was led into the courtroom.

ABC11 learned that Woods, 19, was shot in the chest after a confrontation or fight among a group of teenagers.

Gavin Miller, 18 and Dillon Piper, 19, are being charged with second-degree murder.

Their respective lawyers said in the court what happened was "tragic," but Miller's attorney argued it was a case of self-defense.

He proclaimed before the judge that Miller "did fire the shot" and that the actions were justified.

The teen could be seen wiping tears as these arguments were being made.

A special prosecutor says the killing was pre-meditated and that the defendants fled the scene.

The prosecution is looking into upgrading the charges to first-degree murder.

"I think that's great news. That's what we've been asking for. If you recall on Monday, we had that inquiry. Our question was why weren't they charged with first-degree murder? They came to someone else's house with a loaded weapon and they killed an innocent man that was there. Why weren't they charged with first-degree murder?" said Chance Lynch, the Woods' family attorney.

The judge denied a request to lower both defendant's bonds. Franklin County Sheriff's Office has said that more arrests are expected in the case.