It's been more than half a year since their daughter died in a mysterious shooting involving a Detroit police officer. The parents of Adaisha Miller say they're no closer to understanding what happened and they need answers.
"There's not a day that goes by that I don't want to hear her voice. I have to remember what it sounds like to hear her say I love you, mommy," said Yolanda McNair.
Adaisha's mother expressed her heartbreak seven months after her daughter was shot and killed by a Detroit police officer's gun. The 24-year-old was celebrating her birthday back in July at a fish fry at the home of Officer Isaac Parrish. Police have said the 16-year veteran had a loaded handgun in a soft, neoprene holster and the gun accidentally went off when he and Miller were dancing.
"Was she in front of him when she got shot? Was she behind him when she got shot? Was she standing when she got shot? Was she kneeling when she got shot?" said Gerald Thurswell.
The family's attorney says they haven't been able to get answers to those questions and so many more. He's preparing a lawsuit under the Freedom of Information Act to be filed next week.
The family was given a report with summaries of statements from 41 witnesses. Under manner of death, the word homicide is crossed out and changed to indeterminate.
"It's been too long for us not to hear [anything] and we just want some closure," said Eddie Miller, Adaisha father.
"We don't have any details. We don't have any way to get any kind of closure on it because we don't have any idea how," McNair said.
The report does indicate Adaisha had a blood alcohol level of 0.19 when she was shot in the upper chest. Family members call that insignificant because she was old enough to drink and was not doing anything illegal.
"We'd like to know if they did any testing of the officer how much alcohol was in his system. He had a huge party. If they have 41 witness statements, that means a minimum of 41 people were at the party," Thurswell said.
We've made calls to the city law department and the police department for comment. Those calls were not returned.
The family says as far as they know, Officer Parrish is still working on administrative duties while they continue to mourn and wait for answers.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:59 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:59:53 GMT
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:51 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:51:26 GMT
A church community in Canton is reeling over the death of a young man. He was just married on Saturday and less than 24 hours later killed in a car crash on the way to the couple's honeymoon. His bride survived.
A church community in Canton is reeling over the death of a young man. He was just married on Saturday and less than 24 hours later killed in a car crash on the way to the couple's honeymoon. His bride survived.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 9:22 PM EDT2013-05-16 01:22:48 GMT
A Detroit-based startup is taking off and installing green energy systems across the globe. They are taking a unique approach using a network of expert "freelancers."
A Detroit-based startup is taking off and installing green energy systems across the globe. They are taking a unique approach using a network of expert "freelancers."
Monday, May 13 2013 6:19 PM EDT2013-05-13 22:19:48 GMT
A suspect is in custody after a bomb scare at Westland City Hall. We're told a man held a worker hostage as SWAT teams surrounded a building on Ford Road. Nobody was hurt.
A suspect is in custody after a bomb scare at Westland City Hall. We're told a man held a worker hostage as SWAT teams surrounded a building on Ford Road. Nobody was hurt.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:53 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:53:47 GMT
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:39 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:39:46 GMT
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-23 23:38:56 GMT
Kwame Kilpatrick, now a convicted felon, officially fired his longtime attorney Jim Thomas on Thursday. It's a move that will delay the former mayor's sentencing.
Kwame Kilpatrick, now a convicted felon, officially fired his longtime attorney Jim Thomas on Thursday. It's a move that will delay the former mayor's sentencing.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:30 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:30:30 GMT
The incident forcing the partial evacuation of Detroit Metropolitan Airport for hours one day last month was triggered by law enforcement officials' belief that they'd found an improvised explosive device in luggage.
The incident forcing the partial evacuation of Detroit Metropolitan Airport for hours one day last month was triggered by law enforcement officials' belief that they'd found an improvised explosive device in luggage.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:28 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:28:22 GMT
One week after appearing via satellite on the American Idol season finale the Queen of Soul has rescheduled next month's planned performance at the DTE Energy Music Theatre.
One week after appearing via satellite on the American Idol season finale the Queen of Soul has rescheduled next month's planned performance at the DTE Energy Music Theatre.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:59 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:59:53 GMT
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
WTTG FOX 5 & myfoxdc 5151 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016 Main Number: (202) 244-5151 Newsroom: (202) 895-3000 fox5tips@wttg.com
Adaisha Miller
