BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WSAV) - The family of a man killed by a Lowcountry tow truck driver is speaking out after a judge denied the driver's request for a new trial.

Preston Oates sought "post-conviction relief" from the court in April, claiming his lawyer didn't defend him properly when he was convicted of killing Carlos Olivera in 2014.

Oates shot and killed Olivera after an apparent argument between the two men.

That's a charge that attorney denied on the stand.

This week, Judge Frank Addy officially notified the court, Oates and Olivera's family that he denied Oates request.

Oates was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter, not murder, and is serving a 24-year sentence.

Olivera's family spoke exclusively to WSAV News 3, saying the judge's decision brings them some closure.

"Just

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