31-minute vigil for 31 years of Dontre Hamilton's life



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Dontre Hamilton's family and friends gathered in Red Arrow Park Friday night, May 2nd to remember the life of their loved on.

One minute for each year. A simple formula designed to make a powerful statement.

A family grieves, faces illuminated by candle light, and mourning in the spot where their loved one was shot and killed Wednesday, April 30th.

"We’re all just hanging in there. We’re all just holding tight on to each other," said Nathainel Hamilton, brother.

Police say 31-year-old Dontre Hamilton had been lying on the ground Wednesday in Red Arrow Park, when an officer came over to investigate. Authorities say Hamilton grabbed an officer's baton and starting beating him with it. That's when the officer shot and killed Hamilton.

His family says Hamilton suffered from mental illness and was unable to get help when he needed it.

"We’re going to honor his name in a positive way because he was a positive person," said Hamilton.

The family hopes his death raises awareness about mental illness and a need to do better.

"We want educated social workers, we want educated police. We have to continue pushing that as people, as a group being united as one," said Hamilton.

In mourning, this family hopes to bring change shining light on a place that days ago had darkness.

Hamilton's family says he was a very happy, peaceful person. They continue to look for answers and are waiting on outside investigation to be complete.