EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 As the investigation into the deadly shooting of Christopher Brandon Stevens continues, his family says they want the community to remember the man they knew, not just the tragedy that took his life.<\/p>\n
Stevens, 32, was shot and killed on July 3 outside a Walgreens on North Mesa Street near the University of Texas at El Paso.<\/p>\n
El Paso police arrested 26-year-old Nicholas Wells, who is charged with murder in connection with the shooting.<\/p>\n
According to investigators, Wells told detectives that Stevens assaulted him inside the store and that he fired his gun because Stevens continued approaching him.<\/p>\n
However, court documents state surveillance video does not fully support that account and instead shows Wells following Stevens through the store before the confrontation.<\/p>\n
Investigators also allege Stevens collapsed after the first gunshot, and Wells fired two additional rounds while Stevens was on the ground.<\/p>\n
Wells remains in the El Paso County Detention Facility on a $350,000 bond. <\/p>\n
As of Saturday, court records did not indicate a trial date.<\/p>\n
Stevens’ mother, Teresa Stevens, described her son as a proud Marine, devoted husband, and loving son who always looked out for others.<\/p>\n
“My son was taken away, and with him went so many dreams,” Teresa Stevens said.<\/p>\n
She said her son grew up in El Paso, graduated from Austin High School, and later served in the United States Marine Corps.<\/p>\n
Many KFOX14 viewers may also remember Stevens from a previous story in which he surprised his family by returning home for the holidays after serving overseas.<\/p>\n
RELATED: Marine surprises his El Paso family for the holidays<\/a><\/p>\n Teresa Stevens said no matter where life took him, her son remained proud of his hometown.<\/p>\n “He was very proud to say he was from El Paso,” she said. “He was proud of being an Austin Panther… and then when he became a Marine, a very, very proud Marine.”<\/p>\n She also described Christopher as someone always willing to help others.<\/p>\n “He loved helping people,” she said. “He would give the shirt off his back.”<\/p>\n While the criminal case moves forward, Teresa Stevens said she is seeking justice for her son and hopes Wells receives life in prison without the possibility of parole.<\/p>\n In Christopher’s memory, the Austin High School Alumni Association is establishing the Christopher Brandon Stevens Scholarship Endowment to help future students.<\/p>\n Teresa Stevens said she hopes her son is remembered for the life he lived and the kindness he showed others.<\/p>\n “He just loved life, and he wanted everyone to have the best opportunity,” she said. “I’m just so grateful to the Austin community that they saw what I would see in my son.”. <\/p>\n RELATED: Suspect arrested after deadly shooting at West El Paso Walgreens<\/a><\/p>\n