Rally held to protest Saginaw police-involved deaths - WNEM TV 5

A group of citizens held a peaceful protest at the Saginaw police headquarters to remember Milton Hall and Bobby Merrill.

Both Hall and Merrill died after run-ins with officers of the Saginaw police department. 

Hall was shot to death by police outside the Riverview Plaza on July 1. Police say they were forced to use deadly force after Hall threatened them with a knife.

An investigation revealed that police fired 46 rounds at Hall, but officials haven't released how many rounds actually hit him.

Michigan State police are handling the investigation and some Saginaw residents have been critical of the length of the investigation. Protest-goers told TV5's Craig McMorris on Monday that they're upset because police used excessive force in the incident.  

The six officers involved in the shooting were on paid leave until Aug. 3, when they returned to desk work at the department, reports said.

"We believe that that's a slap in the face for all of the meetings and organizations who have been coming together on behalf of the injustices done to Milton Hall and Bobby Merrill," said Cirven Merrill, the uncle of Bobby.

Merrill died shortly after police deployed a stun gun to subdue him on April 10.

Police said Merrill became combative as they were trying to place him in custody following reports that Merrill was running into traffic and jumping onto cars.

Autopsy reports concluded that Merrill had alcohol and cocaine in his system at the time of his death.  

Protestors are also upset with Saginaw County prosecutor Mike Thomas. Cirven Merrill said they are requesting an independent investigation be completed by Attorney General Bill Schuette.

Thomas told TV5 he "had no comment" on the issue and that the investigation is proceeding with the state's Attorney General's office.

Protesters plan on going before the Saginaw City Council next week.

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