Police officers involved in the shooting of 12-year-old Tamir Rice in Cleveland could still face charges and disciplinary action, despite a jury decision not to indict patrolman Timothy Loehmann for the killing.
The family of the boy are suing the city and federal US prosecutors are considering civil rights charges against Mr Loehmann and his partner. The two officers also face a departmental investigation, which could end in disciplinary action, including firing.
In November 2014, Tamir was carrying a pellet gun when he was shot and killed, within two seconds of Mr Loehmann emerging from his police car.
On Monday (local time) a jury decided Mr Loehmann reasonably believed his life was in danger when he used the gun.
The incident and trial has stirred racial tensions, adding Cleveland to a list of US cities – Ferguson, Baltimore, North Charleston, Chicago and New York City – where African-Americans have died at the hands of white police officers.
On Tuesday, around 50 protesters marched in downtown Cleveland, chanting, "Justice for Tamir!"
Mother Samaria Rice wept for much of the day after the announcement Mr Loehmann would not be charged, says family lawyer Subodh Chandra.
"She doesn't know what she can do," Mr Chandra told the Associated Press. "And there are no answers because the prosecutors have foreclosed the possibility of criminal accountability."
Mr Loehmann's lawyer, Henry Hilow, said the officer carries a heavy burden.
"Everybody has this vision of a cold, callous person who shot a 12-year-old. Both officers have to live with this the rest of their lives. That memory will never go away."
The US Attorney's Office in Cleveland is investigating the possibilities of a civil case and is reviewing the circumstances of the shooting.
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