Vigil held for mentally ill man shot, killed by officer

Family of Lavall Hall seeks justice

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Amid the cries for justice, you will find anger and resentment from the family of 25-year-old Lavall Hall. They gathered Monday night for a walk that ended in a vigil at the site where he died Sunday.

"Right here, he was right here," said Hill's mother, Catherine Daniels. "He had handcuffs on him -- dead. We need some help, we need justice. Lord, strengthen me, they took my baby for no reason."

A day after Hill's death at the hands of a Miami Gardens police officer, his family members said they've yet to hear from department brass.

"I am still grieving on why they killed my child. I haven't heard anything," Daniels said.

Where candles and a teddy bear were left behind, neighbors said Hall's body laid with a broom stick Sunday. Police said Hall used it to attack an officer when they opened fire, killing him.

"I came outside and he was on the ground with handcuffs, and I saw the broom handle on the side of him," said neighbor Michelle Robinson.

Hall's mother called 911 to report her son, who suffered from mental health issues.

Just a week ago, the family said, officers committed the 25-year-old and they were hoping they would do the same on Sunday.

"When you're mentally ill, you're not responsible for what you do," said Tiffany Rozier, whose brother has mental issues. "You're going through something. You're not well, you're sick, so you have to explain. I know, as a mother, she explained what was going on."

Miami Gardens police have yet to release the name of the officer who opened fire and was hurt in the incident. Local 10 was told he was treated for injuries that required stitches.

"He's home with his family," said Hall's cousin, Walter Pinkins. "He's home with his family getting paid, but we're suffering. That's not right. That's not right."

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