Jonathon Tubby's family spoke for this first time since the 26-year-old was shot and killed in the Sally Port of the Brown County Jail according to authorities.
The Department of Justice said Tubby was taken into custody on October 19, 2018, after being stopped by officers.
They said he was wanted on felony arrest warrants.
Tubby was shot and killed by a Green Bay Police officer in the Sally Port of the Brown County Jail after what the DOJ called a "very long" confrontation.
Tubby's family shared their message with the community for the first time.
"When your elders pass, you expect that. When someone, when a young life is taken like this, it hurts. It really hurts," said Arlie Doxtator, Tubby's uncle.
His uncle was one of the family members who spoke at the family's gathering in Oneida on Saturday.
"When Jonathon would make a bad decision, he knew it was his responsibility to take consequences, and he did," said Arlie.
His family said he did run into challenges at times but was still a good person.
"He had a huge heart. And he had a smile that we all, as the family, remember over and over again," said Sue Doxtator, Tubby's aunt.
The family said they are still grieving, but told the community they have not forgotten Tubby.
"We are moving forward peacefully, and we would like the community to continue to respect those wishes from us," said Sue.
The family told us they are still questioning why and how this happened.
Chief Andrew Smith of the Green Bay Police Department said they're still working on the case and will release what happened in the future.
"I know this must be an extraordinary difficult time for the family and friends and community members of Mr. Tubby. And anytime there's a human life that's lost, it's a tragedy, and I'm truly sorry for their loss," said Chief Smith.
The family said they will remain peaceful even when they find out what happened.
"As Oneida people, we're compelled to live a life of a good mind. Part of that good mind is making sure when things like this happen that we grieve and we hold each other up," said Arlie.
