JACKSONVILLE, Fla.-- The man accused of killing a visiting Chicago Bears fan at the Jacksonville Landing pleaded not guilty.
That has outraged the family of that murdered man. They also say they're being kept in the dark about what's going on.
William "Chris" Pettry was a father, husband and friend. Now his family wants justice for the man who took Pettry away from them.
"My stomach was in knots. I was sick to my stomach. I was like this can't be. He changed our lives so much," said his wife Karen Pettry.
Karen and their three children still struggle every day with one question. Why did this happen? "He didn't deserve this. I don't understand why he did this to my husband," said Pettry. "I hope the city of Jacksonville and the state of Florida don't let him get away with this."
Matthew Hinson is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Pettry. Pettry's family wonder's why Hinson was not charged with first-degree, which carries the death penalty. Pettry's wife posted this comment on her Facebook page, saying "No one has ever contacted me from down there to let me know what's happening with the case....."
Pettry, a Chicago Bears fan, was in Jacksonville for the game against the Jaguars last month. Police say Hinson saw Pettry talking to Hinson's wife inside Fionn McCool's downtown and slashed Pettry's throat. Hinson pleaded not guilty in court, leaving this family more upset.
Even though they won't see their loved one again, Pettry's sister says, "Justice will be done regardless of the sentence he's given. He will have to live or die knowing every day that he chose to take the life of an innocent man."
We did reach out to the state attorney's office about being in touch with Pettry's family. They did not respond.
Hinson's court date is set for March 2013.
