The family of a man who was killed by a Kroger security guard says they’re shocked about the incident. Attorney Ben Crump has been retained to represent the victim’s family. Alvin Motley passed away Saturday after an argument over loud music with 54-year-old Gregory Livingston. Livingston was working as a security guard at the Kroger gas station.  Motley who was from Chicago and was in Memphis on a business trip and to meet family members. Livingston is a former police officer with the City of Horn Lake, according to a spokesperson with the Horn Lake Police Department. Livingston worked there from August 1998 until he resigned in April 2001.

Attorney Crump will hold a press conference along with Motley’s family.

“My heart breaks for the Motley family as they grieve the tragic and preventable loss of Alvin. Kroger and companies that employ security have the ultimate responsibility to train and equip their employees and contractors on de-escalation techniques similar to the training we’ve been advocating for law enforcement officers.,” Crump said in a statement. “There is no reason that a Black man trying to gas up his car should lose his life because his music was louder than what a security guard prefers, There is no question in my mind that this crime was racially motivated and a white person playing loud music in similar circumstances would be alive.”

French’e French, a Chicago radio personality and Motley’s sister told Action News 5, Motley was an aspiring actor, entertainer, and media personality who was filming a reality show. She also said Motley had his own clothing business and had just arrived in Memphis hours before he was killed.

“I tried to help [him] but he was already gone,” the anonymous witness said. “It’s sad and it’s scary too.”

Police arrested Livingston for second-degree murder. He appeared in court Monday morning for a brief hearing. His next court date is set for Aug. 16.

“I definitely would love to see that security guard get first-degree murder and the highest penalty they can give him,” French said. “It seemed like it was driven by pure hatred.”

French says Motley was legally blind and could only see shadows.

“I feel like he could have just gotten a ticket or had the police called on him,” French said, adding that Motley only weighed around 110 pounds.

Motley was a father and was engaged to be married. French says Motley’s 17-year-old son recently graduated from high school and is set to go to college.

French is asking the community to support Motley’s loved ones and join them in seeking justice.

A Kroger spokeswoman said Livingston worked for Allied Universal Security.

“The Kroger Delta Division is working in full cooperation with the Memphis Police Department. This is an active investigation, therefore; we are deferring all questions to local law enforcement for the integrity of the investigation,” the company said in a statement.

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