Almost exactly three years to the day after someone shot and killed a teenager, the victim’s family says his killers still haven’t faced justice.

Matthew Hardeman was gunned down after a fight in October 2011, his body left lying in the middle of Owen Street.

According to jail records, two men spent three months in the Fulton County Jail on murder charges, along with a slew of other violent charges related to this murder. Both men were released before their day in court, and the victim’s family wants to know why.

Every year on the anniversary of his death, Hardeman’s close friends and family come together; they create a memorial, sing a song, and light a candle.

“We mourn for Brother Matthew, God. Gone on to Jesus hallelujah but not forgotten,” they said.

And they say a prayer. The 19-year-old high school football star was studying criminal justice and working toward playing college ball when he was gunned down  in southeast Atlanta, shot multiple times, his family says, while defending his sister during a dispute.

Atlanta police arrested Verlaine LaGuerre and Prentice Baker in his killing. Each suspect faced multiple charges including murder, but both men were released from jail three months later before trial.

“I haven’t got the answer I need and yet I haven’t got justice,” Hardeman’s mother said.

His mother said she wants to know why her son’s case has not gone to trial yet and why the suspects are not awaiting their day in court in jail.

“They really aren’t giving any answer, no more than it is on the calendar,” she told Channel 2’s Liz Artz. “I’m not giving up until justice is served.”

Until that day, candles will be lit, prayers said, songs sang and balloons released.

Stay tuned throughout the coming week as we follow-up to  find out how two men accused of murder were able to get out of jail before being exonerated.