Community awaits answers five months after Dontre Hamilton's death

MILWAUKEE -- It's been five months since Dontre Hamilton was shot and killed by a Milwaukee police officer, and family and community members are still seeking answers in his death. 

Hamilton was shot 15 times by an officer on April 30 in Red Arrow Park. Police say Hamilton grabbed the officer's wooden baton and hit him with it when the officer approached Hamilton in the park.

Hamilton's family questions that explanation, and says they have yet to see photos of the officer's injuries. The family also says conflicting witness statements say Hamilton never grabbed the baton. Hamilton struggled with schizophrenia and paranoia, but his family says he was not violent and was not a threat to anyone.

The Department of Justice is investigating the fatal shooting as part of a new law that requires an outside agency to investigate officer-involved deaths, and the delay in the outcome of the investigation is causing frustration among community members and elected officials. 

\"I believe the public is best served by a transparent investigation that is completed in a timely manner,\" Common Council President Michael Murphy said in a statement September 15.

The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office says the matter is still under review, but Hamilton's family says the process is taking far too long. 

A rally is planned tonight at 6 p.m. at Red Arrow Park to celebrate Hamilton's life and continue the call for justice and answers in his death. 

CBS 58's Marshanna Hester has more.