Second suspect arrested in Hughes' murder case | News

CHESTERFIELD, VA (WWBT)- He's innocent! That's the message from the family of a Chester teenager charged in connection to a deadly shooting near the campus of VSU.

Khaliq Oliver faces two charges including conspiracy to commit murder.

Thursday morning, he appeared in front of a judge for the first time. 

Oliver spoke loudly and confidently in court -- he appeared by video conference.

Several of his family members were also in the courtroom they say Oliver is absolutely innocent of all charges.

After a hearing that lasted less than ten minutes Oliver's family walked out of the courthouse.

 "It's overwhelming I guess -- very emotional. He's just so innocent. I don't know what to say. I really don't want to talk," said Oliver's Aunt who declined to give her name.

In court, family members cried when the charges against Oliver were read.

Oliver is 19-years-old. He was arrested Wednesday and charged in connection with the shooting death of 20-year-old Tyrail Hughes.

The shooting happened last month on Boisseau Street near VSU. Police say, drugs are the motive behind the shooting. 

The crime still has some students worried about campus safety.

"It was pretty frightening. I didn't want to go out for a while. We're so close to the locals that anything can happen," said student Clive Cameron.

Another man, Artarrius Stepter, is charged with brandishing a firearm in connection to the incident.

Police are still searching for a third suspect, Ryan Simms, who's been charged with murder.  

Oliver's mother tells NBC 12 her son is your average teenager -- not a murderer.

Oliver is a former VSU student, who loved ones say, wants to be an engineer.

In court, a judge denied the teenager bond. Oliver is due back in court on June 8.

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