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Family Of Col. Hts. Man Killed By Police Call For Justice

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The family of a Columbia Heights man killed by police renewed their call for charges against the officer involved on Saturday.

Michael Kirvelay's family said he was killed by police while having a mental health crisis in November.

Four months later, family, friends and strangers marched in solidarity to have the officers involved prosecuted.

"No justice, no peace. Prosecute the police," the group chanted.

It has become a familiar chant after police-involved shootings, but this time the voices filled the air outside the Columbia Heights police station. A group of about 50 said they want justice for Michael Kirvelay.

"We are here to demand a FOIA request to demand the body cameras. They refused to release it because it is under investigation," said Bill Kirvelay.

Bill Kirvelay said he wants to know everything associated with his brother's shooting, and he believes video from body cameras will reveal what happened.

He said what he does know is his sister called police for help in November when Michael arrived at the family business, in the middle of a mental health crisis.

"And within less than two minutes they murdered my brother, shooting him in the face, putting my family, my siblings in danger and committing a gruesome act of violence," Kirvelay said.

"They murdered him. There's no ifs, ands or buts about it. They shouldn't have done that to him," said Jamie Costilla.

Sister Jamie Costilla says she and those who stand with the family want justice.

"We're here to demand that there is no grand jury, that they prosecute the police for the murder, that they prosecute the police for the civil rights violations of my siblings," Kirvelay said.

Kirvelay says four months after his brother's death, his family is more than ready to fight for the prosecution of officers involved.

"I'm meeting with the Anoka County prosecutor on Monday morning at 10 a.m., because they are going to tell us how they plan to move forward," Kirvelay said.

The BCA released a statement saying the case remains open and active. Investigative data, including video evidence, cannot be released until the case is closed.

The BCA is an independent fact finder and presents its finding to a prosecutor for review.

Columbia Heights police did not respond to WCCO's request for comment.

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