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Mother of man who police say was shot to death by friend breaks silence

Posted at 11:37 PM, Feb 21, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-23 08:50:37-05

Terry and Tony Knoke won't get to celebrate their son Andrew Tohulka's 21st birthday.

"It's a daze, it's a fog, and it feels like a nightmare," said Terry.

On Monday morning, they got the call that changed their lives forever.

Green Bay police say their son was accidently shot to death while his friend, 18-year-old Bryant Ellis, was allegedly playing with a loaded gun while drinking.

"It just feels like somebody kicked you in the chest," said Terry.

Terry and Tony describe their son as a 20-year-old with a lot of friends who was caring, loving and had a big heart.

"Even when he was a little boy, it's like he was an old soul, like literally without me telling him, he'd screen the room, scan the room, and make sure everyone is ok," said Terry.

That big heart helped him land a job in the nursing field doing what he loved most which is putting others first.

"I knew he'd be good at taking care of people and he did that. He was really good at the program at NWTC and he had his CNA right away, passed the test, and that's what he did. He started his career at an assistant living," said Terry.

While friends and family are mourning their loss,Terry is making sure her son leaves his mark on the world.

"He did want to be an organ donor and that's what we chose to do, and his gifts will help from what I was told, dozens of people, so I'm very proud of him for that," said Terry.

Terry and Tony know they won't ever get their son back. All they want now is for parents who are gun owners to stop another tragedy.

"Tell them about it, show them this is why I have it, this is what it's for. It's locked, don't use it and don't keep the ammunition with it," said Terry.

Andrew was a graduate of Ashwaubenon High School. 

A visitation and memorial service will be held Thursday, February 23rd. The visitation will be held at 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

The man accused of killing Andrew, Ellis, was in court Tuesday, February 21st.

He was formally charged with first degree reckless homicide and possession of a firearm by someone convicted of a felony as a minor. 

Ellis' bond was set at $150,000.