As concerns over police shootings of African-Americans remain a focal point in the country and the presidential campaign, one family wants to make sure their case isn't forgotten. NY1 Criminal Justice Reporter Dean Meminger takes a look at the controversial death of a young Brooklyn teen from more than 20 years ago.

"Justice for who?

Nicholas Heyward."

It was a heartbreaking case 22 years ago. 13-year-old Nicholas Heyward was shot dead by a Housing Officer as he played cops and robbers at the Gowanus Houses with a toy gun.

His family and supporters are still demanding the case be prosecuted.

"They claim they are still interviewing witnesses," said former-councilman and Assemblyman Charles Barron. "But, you know what we say, nice talk, keep the pressure on."

The former Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes didn't bring any charges in the case saying officer Brian George accidentally killed the teen in a dimly lit housing hallway. The officer recently retired. The current DA, Ken Thompson did re-opened the case last year.

But, Nicholas Heyward Sr. says the DA's offices cut off communications after the family became critical about the police shooting death of Akai Gurley and DA Thompson recommending community service for former housing officer Peter Liang.

"I had faith in this office under Ken Thompson until that Akai Gurley statement that he had made in recommending no jail time," said Heyward Sr.

Several families that have had loved ones killed by police rallied with Heyward outside the DA's office.

After his thirteen year old son was killed in 1994, there was a big push to ban toy guns.  But the family's attorney now says the prosecution and police back then falsely reported the toy gun looked realistic.

"This is a replica of the gun that was turned over to the police, to the district attorney's office, this was the gun," said attorney Roger Wareham. "This was not the gun that was put on the table when there was announcement that there was not going to be any prosecution. That in itself was clear evidence of a cover-up."

If the DA brings a case all these years later, it would have to be for the top charge of murder, because the statute of limitations has run out for any other charges.

A spokesperson for the DA says the office will work closely with Mr. Heyward to complete a thorough and fair investigation.