The family of Belton Dandy made their plea to a judge in hopes of keeping the man charged with his death behind bars.
“It’s unbelievable that he’s gone,” said Courtney Simpson, Dandy’s sister.
Brandon Arledge faced a judge on Friday, after he was arrested by Spartanburg Police and charged with the death of 39-year-old Belton Dandy. He’s also charged with one count of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
On Tuesday, investigators say they found Dandy dead inside an apartment at Camp Croft Courts on Hanover Place in Spartanburg.
According to the Solicitor Arledge says he was there breaking up a fight when the shooting happened.
“There is no evidence of that being shown up in this situation.” 7th Circuit Solicitor Barry Barnette told the judge.
The Spartanburg Coroner’s report revealed Dandy was killed by gunfire and his death was ruled a homicide.
“Belton Vinder Dandy… he was shot 3 times,” said Solicitor Barnette.
After hearing from Dandy’s family the judge did not set a bond for Arledge. It will be decided at a preliminary hearing schedule for March 28 at 9 a.m.
“Is it a little bit of a relief to know that he is going to stay behind bars?” Asked 7News Reporter Stefany Bornman.
“Oh yes,” said Simpson.
“That is a relief to know that he can’t hurt anyone else,” said Dr. Candace Brewer, with Protect Our Stolen Treasures. “To know that he can’t cause another family the pain that we are feeling.”
Dandy’s family tells 7News Arledge was a longtime family friend and they feel betrayed.
“It’s not fair to him, it’s not fair to his family and it’s definitely not fair to his son.” Simpson told 7News.
Arledge is not allowed to contact any victim or witnesses while in jail.
Dandy’s family is holding a candlelight vigil at Camp Croft Court on Saturday at 6 p.m.
