LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The man charged with shooting and killing former Linkin' Bridge member Jeremiah Buckner was in court Wednesday. 

John Kennedy, 20, was arrested late Tuesday evening. He is charged with murder and robbery in connection with the shooting death of Jeremiah Buckner in January 2023.

District court judge Karen Faulkner set Kennedy's bond at $500,000.

The public defender's office argued for a lower bond so Kennedy's family can afford it, but Faulkner refused, saying he is a danger to the community. 

Kennedy's mother appeared at the court hearing via Zoom and told the court he plans to hire a private attorney.  

Buckner was driving for Uber when he was shot on Jan. 3, 2023, near Esquire Alley and Roy Wilkins Avenue. Buckner was found with several gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. Court documents indicate he was shot in the back.

According to court records, Buckner responded to a call for an Uber to take a passenger to the 600 block of Village West Drive so they could sell some items. That's when Kennedy allegedly approached the car and held the other person at gunpoint outside the driver's side door.

Surveillance video then allegedly shows Buckner falling to the ground from the driver's side door as Kennedy and the passenger ran from the scene. 

"I don't look at him (Kennedy) as an individual that's a monster or anything like that, I look at him more as you're a victim of your circumstances," said Jason Buckner, younger brother of Jeremiah Buckner. 

"Jeremiah was one of our biggest protectors, obviously he was a very talented individual," said Jason Buckner. "He was a spiritual leader, in more ways than one. He would lay hands on people, he would pray for people."

Jason Buckner said losing his brother has been hard, but knows in response to the tragic loss, Jeremiah would want Louisville to continue his mission to help keep people on the right track, and away from violence.

"Before you destroy your life, before you destroy anyone else's life, let's have a conversation about the path you could go in because there are other paths," Jason Buckner said.

Jeremiah Buckner was a founding member Linkin' Bridge, which rose to fame after appearances on the television show America's Got Talent. 

While he left the band to pursue other passions, the loss hit hard for his bandmates.

Member Montre Davis described the arrest in connection to Jeremiah Buckner's death a "small victory" but said said it has been a rough year without his former band mate.

"Watching the old videos, that's what's the most painful, watching those old videos, but I do get a lot of joy from watching some of the videos, but sometimes I can't watch them for too long," Davis said.

Romeo Kimbrough, another member of Linkin' Bridge, said he is happy that a man has been apprehended, and hopes it encourages more people will step forward to "get the bad guys off the street."

Jeremiah Buckner was one of 150 candles laid down earlier this month, at Louisville's annual Night of Remembrance,  to honor 150 homicides victims in 2023.  

There, his former bandmates took the stage to honor his memory.

As Kimbrough, Davis, and Jason Buckner wait for the court process to play out, it is their hope people remember Jeremiah Buckner's faith, work ethic, and talent.

"He gave all of what he had to us," said Davis. 

Kennedy's next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 1. 

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