Group marches for murder victim

PRICHARD, Ala. (WALA) - Friends and family of a young murder victim in Prichard are taking a stand against violence.

The victim’s friends and family hope city officials will stand with them and grant permission to hold a march. 

Quinn Austin-Pugh holds back tears at this makeshift memorial for his friend, Kaylan Watkins.

The 22-year-old was gunned down on a street corner in Prichard on August 30.

"Actually, this is my first time being here at the memorial," said Austin-Pugh.

The memorial is made up of stuffed animals, candles and handwritten messages to the young man.

Latches Lanpkin was with Watkins when he was killed. Lanpkin was shot too. He showed FOX10 the bullet still left in his body.

People who live in the area said they are tired of the violence and seeing memorials go up. They said they are not standing by any longer.

Austin-Pugh said enough is enough.

He's behind a movement meant to inspire the young people of his hometown.

"We are all not just a bunch of hoodlums. All of us do not sell drugs. All of us do not kill people. The image of Prichard has been tarnished for so many years, and I feel like this is the time for me to stand up and make a change," said Austin-Pugh.

Austin-Pugh took a break from school to come home and lead the march.

He's studying mechanical engineering at Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa.

Austin-Pugh will lead the’ Stand for Something or Die for Nothing’ march on Friday.

 It's in memory of his friend and others killed by violence.

At first, Austin-Pugh said the city was not receptive but that has since changed with help from State Representative Napoleon Bracy.

"For so long, I have been the voice of young people; and I think it is great to see them step to the plate," said Bracy. "Whatever support we can give them from my office, I want to definitely be there to help."

Bracy plans to stand with the group as it asks city leaders for permission to hold a march in honor of their friend who they say was an innocent bystander.

Watkins' friends plan to speak to Prichard City Council members Thursday night and ask for permission to march through the streets.