Civil rights attorney Ben Crump is joining Marchello Woodard's family in their quest for answers.

Crump and the family's legal team are demanding transparency from the Erie County District Attorney's Office, in connection to Woodard's death investigation.

"We vow we won't let them say this is an open and shut case," said Crump.  "We are going to expose the false narrative."

Last month, Woodard was shot and killed in his vehicle by a parole officer, during a compliance check.

According to state police, the officer shot Woodard while he was being dragged by the vehicle.

However, based on surveillance video, Crump says that doesn't add up.

"Based on the video, you don't have to take the police's word at what happened," said Crump.  "You can see it for yourself."

In the video, you hear several shots ring out.
According to Crump, Woodard was shot before the vehicle moved.

"Everything I saw in that video, Attorney Ross, suggests that this was an unnecessary shooting, this was an unjustified shooting, and this was an unconstitutional shooting."

Woodard's son Malakai Woodard spoke at the gathering on behalf of Marchello's three children.

"You can't imagine anything like this, but all I have to say is if this happened to us it can definitely happen to you," said Malakai.  All I want to say is justice for my dad."

The family's legal team is now calling on Governor Josh Shapiro to take action.

"The state needs to act," said Crump.  "These were state officers.  These weren't Erie police.   These were state of Pennsylvania parole officers.  The buck stops with the governor."

Erie News Now asked Crump why he got involved with this case.

"Just like we had to get involved with George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, we had to get involved with Marchello Woodard," said Crump.   "That's what we're going to do."

Erie News Now reached out to Elizabeth Hirz late Thursday afternoon, but we have not heard back.

In a previous statement, she said she appreciates everyone's patience, but the investigation will take time.