ATLANTA — The family of a veteran shot and killed at a DeKalb VA hospital earlier this year is still pushing for justice months later.
The organization Justice 4 Veterans and the family of John Robert Smith, Jr. is demanding that the DeKalb County District Attorney release the police bodycam footage from when Smith was shot and killed.
What Smith's family said on Thursday
For months, Smith's family have said they don't understand why the hospital's mental health team didn't intervene on that day.
On Thursday, they expressed that the lack of communication they have received has made them feel as though authorities are hiding something.
"Mrs. Smith just wants to know what happened to her son," the president of Justice 4 Veterans said at the conference, adding that Smith was buried just two weeks ago and his family is seeking closure.
When Smith's mother took the mic, she recounted the shock of hearing of her son's death months ago and noted that she told him the day before he needed to go to someone for help.
"I just wanted to know one thing: 'What happened?'" she said. "When I get some answers, I'll feel better."
RELATED: Mother expresses grief for son shot, killed by officer after wielding knife at DeKalb VA hospital
What we know from officials
Smith, 58, was killed back in January. He had gone to the VA hospital with a mental health illness.
The GBI said hospital staff took Smith into the emergency room for assistance. He then pulled out a knife and threatened to harm himself.
As VA Police officers attempted to get Smith to put the knife down, he refused and eventually advanced toward a staff member with the weapon.