The mother of a 52-year-old Blacksburg man relayed Monday in Cherokee County General Sessions Court the many impacts of losing her only son.

They ranged from the simple — such as a son telling his mother that he loves her — to the more far-reaching — such as being able to sit down together as a family during the holidays.

“The only place I can see him now is in pictures and in my dreams,” said Martha Dixon, mother of Rickey Allen Dixon Sr.

Dixon, 52, was shot and killed inside his East Lime Street home Oct. 21. His brother-in-law, Johnny Ray Mueller, is charged with Dixon’s slaying.

On Monday, Mueller appeared in Cherokee County General Sessions Court for a bond hearing.

Mueller’s attorney, Trent Pruett, relayed in court that Mueller was staying with his sister and brother-in-law. The attorney contends that on the morning in question, Mueller tried to defend his sister from abuse.

Dixon was shot twice and died at the scene.

Despite the serious nature of the charge, Pruett informed the court that Mueller will be able to go back to his job if released.

He also noted that Mueller called Cherokee County E-911 to report the shooting and did not represent a risk of flight.

Circuit Court Judge Derham Cole said he would consider the request for bond and did not issue an immediate ruling.