ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- When Judge James Piampiano dismissed all charges against Charlie Tan, the decision sent shock waves throughout the Rochester community.  

Tan, charged with second degree murder in the Feb. 2015 shooting death of his father Jim Tan, was never convicted.  His trial ended with a hung jury in October.  When all parties returned to court Thursday, instead of setting a date for a new trial, Piampiano let Tan walk free.

"I'm really on the fence about it because I know a lot of people who knew him and his family and I think he's genuinely a nice kid," said Margot Lutz, Pittsford resident. "I think there was evidence there that might have gotten him accused but as the mother of four kids, I understand if you feel your family's threatened."

Tan's defense team claimed there was a history of abuse inside the family home.  It's alleged that Jim Tan used physical force on his wife Jean and their two sons.

The prosecution believed there was enough evidence to convict Charlie Tan of the slaying, yet there are many in the community with doubts.

"When I looked at the evidence, at least how I read about it, it seemed like there was a gap in really finalizing the case," said Chris Crowley, Pittsford resident. "I think there will be some negative feedback on how it just kind of came to an end and I think everybody will work through that.  It's just an unfortunate situation."

Some said Judge Piampiano made the right decision and are glad Tan was set free, while others believe the justice system works in different ways, depending on where you live and what you look like.

"I'm kind of like iffy. I don't know all the specifics of the case but I do know if it happened to an African-American or even Hispanic, it wouldn't have went down like that. No way, no how," said Marvin Kellom, Rochester resident.

For those with loved ones incarcerated for similar actions, Piampiano's decision is hard to comprehend.

"This boy killed his father and they slapped him on the hand and let him go.  My son got shot in the head with a nine millimeter and he tried to defend himself and they locked him up.  They gave him 25 to life," said Priscilla Jackson, Rochester resident.

Jackson believes if Charlie Tan can return home without any consequences, her son deserves to come home too.