Family of Man Who Died Police Custody Takes Fight to City Hall

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK-- After eight weeks of waiting, the family of Robin Howard, a man who died in Oklahoma City Police custody takes their fight for justice to city council.

"I felt good that we were able to put our concerns out there," said Kimberly Turner, Howard's sister.

Robin Howard's family still does not know what happened in his confrontation with  police before he died.   After weeks of trying to get more information, Howard's family is fed up with Oklahoma City Police.

 "It's something different with them, every time," said Turner, "it's conflicting statements, we just want the truth"

The family appeared at Tuesday morning's city council meeting urging city council members and Mayor Mick Cornett to demand Oklahoma City Police release all information regarding Howard's death investigation.

"We're not asking no more less than anybody will ask in this situation, if it was their family," said Brandy Howard, another sister of Robin Howard. 

Turner says it was pertinent for her family to bring her brother's story to the city's attention.  Turner says police never told her family that her brother was in the hospital.  Family members say they were not notified of Howard's death until four days after his passing.

"The police department dropped the ball really on that," said Chief Bill Citty of the Oklahoma City Police Department.

In a letter from Oklahoma City Police addressed to David Slane, Howard's family's attorney, Deputy Chief Johnny Kuhlman wrote "the administrative investigation will include a review of the manner of notification of families."

The letter, addressed August 8th, also denied a public information request from Slane for reports filed in the case, but emphasized Howard's family will be notified of results upon completion of the investigation.

"We have not accomplished what we wanted," said Slane, "we need to see the reports."

Chief Citty says investigative reports are typically not released when attorneys file a public information request.  He says these reports are made public after a civil suit is filed.

"I feel like they should be reprimanded, and I believe they owe a public apology," said Turner. 

Although Oklahoma City Police would not comment on details in the investigation, Chief Citty says Howard was conscious after his confrontation with Oklahoma City Police on June 19.

"He was interviewed, he was alert, he was not expected to pass," Chief Citty explained.

As days go on, Howard's family says they feel police are still mishandling the case, and vow to continue their fight for justice.  They are organizing a protest Sunday outside Oklahoma County Jail at 3 PM. Family of Man Who Died Police Custody Takes Fight to City Hall

Posted: Tuesday, August 14 2012, 09:21 PM CDT