SAVANNAH, Ga. () — It was a sad night for family and friends of the Savannah man killed the day before St. Patrick’s Day at a local Dollar General.

A vigil was held for friends of Chris Allen Villegas Frentress, who said he was taken too soon.

To be loved by you and to love you was a sentiment shared by those who gathered Thursday to honor the life and legacy of Frentress.

27-year-old Fentress was shot and killed after a dispute took place on March 15 at a Dollar General store located on West Bay Street. Witness accounts said the 27-year-old suspected shooter, Johnathan Manson, started yelling homophobic slurs at Chris and his group of friends right before the shooting.

The Savannah Pride Center, where Frentress volunteered, is calling for his death to be investigated as a hate crime, something they said Savannah has a problem with reporting.

“It’s clear the shooter needed to confirm that Chris was gay by his line of questioning before specifically attacking Chris,” said Michael Bell, Director of Savannah Pride Center. “It’s important to note that the shooter had a history of posting hate messages about LGBTQ+ people on his social media. And it’s important to note that Savannah hasn’t reported any hate crimes in years, which is in stark contrast to other Georgia cities throughout the state.”

Those who knew Frentress described him as the life of the party and someone who always stood up for what he believed in.

“I know him. He was the life of the party. He wouldn’t want us to cry,” said friends of Frentress, Devon Geiger and Malasha Williams. “He’s a very strong person, a kind-hearted person. Just a lighthearted person and everything just like an amazing kind soul. Just a kind soul.”

Frentress’ partner, Oscar Cerrito Mendoza, said his soulmate was taken too soon. He said they moved to Savannah to start their lives together and find community, something they both took pride in.

“He guided me through some of the darkest moments and was incredibly patient with me through our journey together,” Mendoza said. “He consistently showed support for everyone who cared about one word. I truly think this person is courage. He stood up for everybody. Everyone loved and was unapologetically his genuine self.”

Funeral arrangements have been made for Frentress, and they will be held in his home state of Virginia.

Mendoza asked that any donations be sent to the GoFundMe that he’s set up. The link can be found by clicking or tapping here.