The Bronx teen accused of killing a man who police say was attacking his mother appeared in court Tuesday and was released on bail without entering a plea.

Friends, relatives and many other supporters packed the courtroom as the defense lawyer for Luis Moux asked a judge to release him. But while prosecutors acknowledged the tragedy on both sides, they said they intended to move forward with the case.

The defense argued that Moux and his mother were both victims of domestic violence at the hands of Stanley Washington, 43, the man Moux allegedly killed.

Police say a man and woman -- believed to be Washington and Moux's mother -- got into a physical altercation at an apartment on University Avenue. The woman's 18-year-old son, Moux, allegedly intervened by placing Washington in a chokehold.

Police arrived to find Washington unresponsive, according to investigators. He later died at North Central Bronx Hospital.

Moux's lawyer says Washington and the 37-year-old mother were involved in at least three prior domestic violence incidents.

"It is my understanding that he has had three domestic violence charges against him, savagely beating this woman to the point where she had to go to the hospital," says Walter Fields, the defense attorney. Field also says Moux has no prior criminal history.

Neighbors say they believe the two were dating at some point and often argued outside.

Moux faces several charges, including manslaughter. He's due back in court Aug. 18.