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Family Demands Answers in Cop Shooting

Victor Ortega was killed June 4 in a confrontation with a San Diego police officer after a brief foot pursuit

By R. Stickney

| Tuesday, Aug 7, 2012 | Updated 1:20 PM PDT

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Family members of a man shot and killed by a San Diego police officer two months ago are demanding answers.

The group of friends and family stood with signs downtown Monday chanting “they call it justified, we call it homicide.”

Among the group was one woman holding a large poster board covered with images of her son, Victor Ortega.

Ortega was killed June 4 in a confrontation with a San Diego police officer after a brief foot pursuit south of Mira Mesa Boulevard and about a half mile east of Mira Mesa High School.

Officer Jonathan McCarthy, was attempting to arrest Ortega when a fight began. One of the officer’s guns dropped to the ground according to police spokesperson Lt. Kevin Rooney.

The officer then shot the suspect with a second gun, killing the suspect officials said.

“When Victor got shot, they shot all of us,” Ortega’s mother told NBC 7. “I just want justice.”

Another protester brought up questions held by relatives of Ortega including why Ortega was handcuffed at the time of the shooting.

Watch Video: Family members question shooting

The San Diego County District Attorney's office could not comment on the status of the investigation but did say it will investigate the Ortega shooting as it does all shootings involving peace officers in the county.

Once the review is complete, the DA's office will provide a summary of facts and statements of the deputy or officer and other witnesses to the police chief.