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.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:46 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:46:26 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.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:44:19 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:20 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:20:38 GMT
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:39 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:39:42 GMT
The Republicans in Lansing are pushing a new bill that would base teacher salaries on student performance. But will merit pay really help kids get a better education? Some say the answer is no.
The Republicans in Lansing are pushing a new bill that would base teacher salaries on student performance. But will merit pay really help kids get a better education? Some say the answer is no.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:07 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:07:10 GMT
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week.
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week and being treated and screened for diseases.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:56 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:56:23 GMT
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:57 PM EDT2013-05-23 00:57:50 GMT
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
Adaisha Miller
