PITTSFORD, N.Y. -- An online fundraising page has been created to help Charlie Tan, the 19-year-old accused of fatally shooting his father in Pittsford earlier this week.
"I consider him one of my best friends, and I was one of his," said Anna Valentine, who along with her boyfriend, Josh Eidem, said they've been friends with Charlie since high school. They thought something was going on when he came home from Cornell University unexpectedly last week.
"I was with him on Thursday night, and then he texted me the next morning. 'I love you and I'll talk to you soon,' and then I never heard from him.
"Then, Monday he had contacted my mom and then I just had to hear through the news."
Anna heard that Jim Tan had been shot and killed and Charlie was charged with second degree murder in his death. Deputies say Charlie used a shotgun to shoot his father in the chest, arm, neck and face.
"My friends and I were just shocked. We didn't know what to do. We wanted to take that energy and put it towards something good."
Anna created the Charlie Tan Support Fund, asking for $50,000 to help with his legal defense.
Neighbors and defense attorney James Nobles say Charlie, his brother and mother suffered years of abuse at the hands of his father, even leading to an order of protection for Jean Tan.
Anna and Josh said they knew nothing about that.
"I had no idea. I've had no idea about his family situation. He kept it all to himself. He was very good at hiding it," said Valentine.
"He must've been in such a horrible place in his head, I feel so bad, that it was his last resort," Eidem said.
Since Anna created the site Wednesday, hundreds have posted to show their support or donate money.
Other supporters told Time Warner Cable News they wanted to help financially so Charlie gets the best defense. Another said that if all the facts turn out as they seem, they fully support Charlie for protecting his family.
"Even the smallest donation shows how much love he has, and how much support people have and know how amazing person he is and how hard things must've been."
We contacted the District Attorney's Office, who stated they cannot comment on the case. Once again, we called Dynamax, where Jim Tan worked. They had no comment.
Charlie Tan is expected in court Friday.