Family and friends of a beloved Flatbush man who was gunned down in a bodega in October spoke with News 12 after the suspect in his slaying appeared in court Friday afternoon.

With a photo of Dwayne Smith and a prayer in her phone case, neighbor Deirdre Winn says she always has her close friend of 30 years in her pocket.

"I go nowhere without him,' said Winn.

In court, 18-year-old Joshua Louis pleads not guilty to shooting Smith in the chest in a bodega back on Oct. 10.

Smith's sister and friend mumbled obscenities at Louis at the end of his short court appearance, as he walked out of the room. Loved ones say they hope for a murder conviction.

They tell News 12 that they'll keep coming back for all future court dates.

Louis is due back in front of the judge on Feb. 28.