LYONS, N.Y. — The mother of the man accused of using a 2x4 in a fight that resulted in the death of another man spoke out for her son during his first court appearance.

Martin Smallwood, 32, had a lot of supporters in a Lyons courtroom about the events of July 21. 

“They made my son look like he just left home, ran up to him and beat him to death,” said Smallwood's mother, Lizzie Desirus.

Smallwood was involved in fight that night and, according to the district attorney’s office, his actions led to the death of 42-year-old Camilo Robledo. The case was waived to a grand jury Thursday. He is facing felony assault and manslaughter charges. 

“We felt that the one witness that they did present there’s some issues when it comes to credibility and that certainly will be a recurring theme as this case progresses,” said Smallwood’s defense attorney Joe Damilio.

“It’s still an ongoing investigation. We are following up with witnesses and different leads but we will continue to pursue the case,” said Christine Callanan, prosecutor.

According to police reports, Smallwood and Robledo were fighting in a parking lot when Smallwood punched him and hit him with a 2x4. Robledo later died from his injuries in that fight. Smallwood's family says he was acting in self- defense. According to an autopsy report, Robledo died from blunt force trauma on his upper body.

"He hit him with the board, that’s what made my son turn around,” said Desirus. “I feel for the young man’s mom, because I know what I’m going through because this is my son.”

“Something bad happened and I feel bad for everyone that’s in the whole situation. I believe he’s innocent because that’s my brother. Whatever the outcome is I am still going to love him," said Smallwood's sister, Rosa Morris.

Smallwood is being held at the Wayne County Jail without bail.