SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — The man accused of killing his father last May at their Roseville business appeared in court for the first time Friday afternoon at the Placer County Courthouse.

Police say Christopher Northam Jr. killed his father, Christopher Northam Sr., inside the business called Skim X, an indoor wakeboarding facility.

Family members say they don't want to discuss the case other than to say it's been very difficult.

"It's a tragedy, a tragedy amongst the family," said Conrad Rosenstiel, the victim's uncle. "Right now we just need to hang together."

Family members hugged and cried after Northam Jr. appeared in court for the first after an nine-month investigation led to his arrest.

"I will always have a gaping whole in my heart and soul and so will my parents," said Shon Northam, the victim's brother, "but at least this is a step forward in the process and we will go from there."

Police say Northam Jr. shot and killed his father inside his Roseville indoor sports business. They say the motive was money.

Police also arrested Northam jr.'s ex-wife, Averill Easley, for giving false information to investigators. The judge kept her bail at $25,000 .

Now family members say they're trying to cope in the midst of extreme turmoil.

"This has been a long and difficult process for my parents and my family," Shon Northam said. "Given the unique fact patterns in this particular case there's obviously heightened emotions."

Rosenstiel reflected on happier times for the family.

"I used to push him around on his bike when he was a little baby," he said. "It's sad."