Parents of pregnant woman gunned down say they've waited a long time for justice

BRADENTON, Fla. - Seated at the defendant's table win a new white shirt and tie, the accused killer of Crystal Johnson waited patiently as the judge in this case offered instructions to potential jurors.  Gregory Kennon was silent through the days' proceedings.  Meantime, the family of his alleged victim says this is what they have been waiting for. 

Susan Moore says she will never get over the loss of her daughter, Crystal Johnson. As a tribute to her daughter she frequents the Skyway Memorial Gardens. Her child and grandchild were laid to rest in the same casket in 2009.

"I want to know why they had to kill my baby," said Moore.

Nearly three years ago, Crystal Johnson, who was six months pregnant, died. Manatee County deputies say Johnson was shot inside the apartment she shared with her boyfriend and mom after three intruders broke down the door. "This is something we've been waiting on for a long time," said Susan Johnson mom.

Susan was actually there when 19 year old Crystal was hit by a bullet in the chest. Attempts were made to save the baby, a little girl that Crystal had already named Lariah Faith, but they were unsuccessful. "I had to watch my daughter die instantly and there was nothing I could do."

Every day, the family hopes for some type of closure. Now the man accused of pulling the trigger, Gregory Kennon, will stand trial. The trial did start -- slowly -- on this Monday morning at the Manatee County Judicial Center. Crystal's family said it has been a long enough wait. They said they've gone through delays, postponements and motions.

It isn't just Crystal's mother who is anxious. So is Betsey Hunt. "I don't get to play with my grandbaby. I don't get pictures to go on," said Hunt.

Betsey's son L.T, was Crystal's boyfriend. Deputies said he fought with the gunman but could not save Crystal and their unborn baby. "They'd be raising their baby. They would be having fun. Everyone else gets that chance, but they don't," said Hunt.

Crystal's family and friends said they will be in the courtroom. They have waited a long time for some healing to begin.

Opening arguments should be ready to go by sometime Tuesday.