“There are still a lot of lose ends that need to be investigated,” Wade said.

While authorities continue to research the circumstances of the shooting, Austin’s family has pulled together and struggled to understand why the officer used his weapon in a residential area.

“This is not a rural area,” Tracy said. There are at least 30 houses in the immediate area. “This officer was criminally negligent.”

Jack and Renee also expressed their grief.

“He was a special boy,” said Renee while clutching the camouflaged Bible she purchased for Austin last week. The Curtis Inge Middle School teacher spoke about her son’s devotion to his faith. Austin would remember scriptures and often quoted them to friends and family. He told his mother he was in the Army of God.

“He wanted to know all about the Bible,” Renee said. “… maybe he wasn’t a boy, he may have been an angel.”

The absence of Austin has left the family with a “one step-at-a-time” mentality. They are trying to stay as strong like the faith that infused Austin.

“We believe in God,” Tracy said.

And with God is where Renee believes she will find her son.

“We will never forget this special 5-year-old boy,” she said being comforted by her husband. “I will hold him again someday.”

Tony Pennington

366-3541

tpennington@normantranscript.com