The family of 24-year-old Jamaican immigrant, Stephaun Stuart, who was shot and killed in the Bronx, New York in March, said his mother who lives in Jamaica was denied a visa by the United States’ (US) authorities to travel to that country to help bury her son.

According to media reports, Stuart was in the US for less than six months where he had gone to work to help to provide for his family in Jamaica, when he met his demise. He was shot to death after a woman at a Dunkin’ Donuts near Holland Avenue accused him of staring at her.

Last Monday, police arrested 18-year-old Santiana Rodriguez, charging her with murder in connection to Stuart’s death. Her boyfriend, who police said was the triggerman, remains at large.

Officials from the New York Police Department said Rodriguez got into a dispute with Stuart inside the Dunkin’ Donuts, accusing him of standing too close and disrespecting her. She reportedly called her boyfriend.

According to the police, Stuart and a friend left the shop but were allegedly tracked down by Rodriguez. Investigators believe Rodriguez’s boyfriend shot Stuart shortly after.

It is now being reported that Stuart’s mother is looking for closure, as she was denied entry to the U.S. to bury her son.

According to the family, his mother requested a visa but was denied. The family also said Stuart’s siblings still leave voicemails on his phone as if he is still alive.

“They’re waiting for him to answer; they’re so young they don’t know what’s going on,” said Kadian Thomas, Stephaun’s aunt.

The family said they are not giving up and are asking for local officials to help his mother get into the country.

“Anyone that could help, they could always call 347-261-0979. We are here. We are not going anywhere and we’re going to be all over this,” said Thomas.