BUFFALO, N.Y. — Dozens packed the first-floor of the Erie County court building Tuesday, mostly friends and family of 48-year-old Leon "Bruno" Nelson.

They were there to get a first look at Dydisci Martin, the man accused of killing Nelson last July.

"The family has a large hole in their heart, because of the situation. Now we feel as though this is the start of closure," said Nelson's uncle, Brian Bryant. 

In January 2017, Martin began subletting a room from Nelson's girlfriend in a home on May Street in Buffalo. Six months later, Nelson went missing, and was found days later.

"They came and searched his home and they found him in the basement of this home on May Street. Dead with a bullet wound to the head," said Erie County District Attorney John Flynn.

After a 10-month investigation, Martin was indicted by a grand jury and charged with second-degree murder.

"Mr. Martin became more and more a person of interest here and we were able to, like I said, put the pieces of the puzzle together, and now we believe we have the puzzle intact," said Flynn. 

Martin is innocent until proven guilty, but for now Nelson's family is relieved an arrest was finally made.

"Thinking, wondering, praying that whoever the individual, or individuals, responsible would be brought to justice. This is the start of bringing him to justice. Closure is started," said Bryant. 

Martin pleaded not guilty and was remanded without bail. Martin faces up 25 years to life in prison if convicted.