Family of man killed in Twin Peaks shooting speaks out

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – The uncle of the man police say was killed in Twin Peaks is pleading with law enforcement for answers.

Tony Baker remembered his nephew Ray'Shun Bates, who was shot to death on Saturday night. Huntsville Police Chief Kirk Giles told News 19 that a fight broke out between two groups of people, and Bates was killed and two others were injured.

RELATED: Preliminary hearing set for man charged with murder in shooting at Twin Peaks

'We really loved ole' Ray," said Baker. "Russian was his nickname. It will always be the people that you think will never die. It's always like that."

Jeremiah Matkins is charged with murder for Bates's death, but Baker says his nephew was not familiar with Matkins and his group of friends.

"All we want to know is why did it happen," said Baker. "We need answers, and this is a vow to let you know we're not just going to lay down and let our nephew die like this."

Baker says his nephew had an extended family in his Decatur neighborhood. A family that he says is hurting and is confused over his sudden death.

"He was a part of the whole family, like the different families that love each other like family. That's what he was," Baker said.

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Bates also had an aspiring music career and was father to a 3-year-old girl.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family with funeral expenses.

Matkins is set for a preliminary hearing on December 4.