‘It has to stop’: Family mourns 20-year-old killed near Ashland Walmart, pleads for change

ASHLAND, Va. (WWBT) – One week after their son was shot and killed in an Ashland parking lot, a family is pleading with the community to put the guns away.

Aubrey Smith and Kelsey Thurston are the father and stepmother of 20-year-old James Smith, better known by his nickname ‘Poodie.’

They say Smith graduated from Patrick Henry High School a few years ago and had big plans.

“James was a free spirit, his smile could light up any room. He was bright, he had dreams of being a diesel mechanic,” Thurston said…

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