Vigil Held For Man Who Died in Police Custody

A family in the Metro sees a bit of victory after they say they've spent months with no justice for their loved one.

Robin Howard died in June, after he led police on a chase and officers used force to arrest him. Upon an investigation, it was determined the officers will not face charges. But, just this week, the family learned the FBI now plans to investigate. But, that good news wasn't the reason behind the family's celebration this weekend. They hosted a candlelight vigil in order to do something they say they haven't been able to do the past five months.

"Tonight, we're having a candlelight vigil in rememberance of Robin's life," says Deidra Hill, Robin Howard's sister.

"It was so hard for us for so many months, just not really being able to grieve, and not really knowing what happened," says Kimberly Turner, another one of Howard's sisters.

"Today will be the day we'll get a chance to put him to rest and get into our emotions and what we feel about it," Hill tells Fox 25's Kisha Henry.

"This might help us find some closure," says Lonzetta Morrison, Howard's mother.

As friends and family gather, they remember who it is they've been seeking justice for.

"We're doing it for Robin," says Hill.

"We laughed. We really laughed," Turner describes her brother. "You know how you get that one person you can really (laugh with), that's him."

"He was a joking and good person. He was a care-taker for his mother," says Hill.

"I miss him so much. The little, small things that he did," says Morrison. "Some mornings, he would get up and fix my breakfast. You know, he was just so thoughtful of me."

At the crash site, where it all began, those who gather at the vigil are not the only ones behind the family. "Our attorney will read a prayer that Reverand Jesse Jackson sent," says Turner.

"It means so much to us to let us that people are caring and reaching out for us and supporting us," says Hill. "I think it's bringing us closer, and bringing us closure."

The family's attorney says the Oklahoma City Police Chief has expressed interest in removing himself from the case during the FBI's investigation in an effort of fairness, after an anonymous letter (sent to the family's attorney) indicated the Chief's personal secretary is the grandmother of one of the officers involved.
Vigil Held For Man Who Died in Police Custody

Posted: Sunday, November 4 2012, 09:37 PM CST