CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A camera captures a moment in time. As a photographer, Chris Radok shared his moments with everyone.
"He's amazing. To be able to take photographs and have a signature is in itself an art," said Pete Freedman, a close friend.
Radok was not a famous photographer. He worked for Creative Loafing, but his work is being displayed at the Baku Gallery on North Davidson.
"Every shot you look at has movement, has life to it," said Freedman.
Last January the 55-year-old was brutally murdered when he came home and found Antoine Young breaking into his house.
"No, I’ll never get over this. This is a tremendous loss," said Uwe Radok, the victim’s brother. He flew in from England to see Young plead guilty to first degree murder Thursday afternoon.
"I have absolutely no concern about Antoine Young. I don’t care. It's what he did to Chris that matters so I don't give him a thought, I'm afraid," said Radok.
Prosecutors said the two men did not know each other and that the crime was completely random. Radok was beaten to death with a baseball bat and cut numerous times with a variety of knives.
"All that future was dashed by this senseless and stupid and worthless murder," said his brother.
Prosecutor Gabrielle Macon had been seeking the death penalty because the stabbing was especially heinous and happened during the commission of another crime. Because of the plea deal, Young avoided the death penalty and was sentenced to life.
Radok’s family and friends have just started the healing process.
"Chris Radok was no small man. He was a gentle person," said Freedman. The Raku Gallery will display Radok’s collection through the end of the month.
