PHOENIX (CBS5) -
She's a grieving mother coping with the loss of her son, Daniel Rodriguez, 29.
"It's something you don't prepare yourself for," said Elvira Fernandez. "I loved my son. I will always love my son."
Fernandez spoke to reporters outside her South Phoenix mobile home, while CBS 5 News got a look inside the home where Rodriguez was shot and killed by a Phoenix police officer.
"Never in my life did I think this would be happening to me," Fernandez said.
Officer Richard Chrisman was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Authorities said additional charges might be filed.
Another officer on the scene told investigators that Chrisman put a gun to Rodriguez head, then shot Rodriguez' dog.
Court records state there was an altercation and Chrisman shot and killed Rodriguez. According to the other officer, Rodriguez did not pose a threat and did not have a weapon.
Protesters have been out every night at Phoenix police headquarters demanding that Chrisman be held accountable.
Fernandez is thankful for the community support.
"They have been my strength, my eyes and ears in the community," said Fernandez. "You don't know how much I appreciate it."
"The matter is still under investigation," said Fernandez' attorney, Sabinus Megwa. "I think it is fair to the officer to have his constitutional rights and due process of law, even though he may not have accorded the same to Daniel Rodriguez."
Chrisman's attorney said his client acted in self-defense and the investigation will prove that Rodriguez had a weapon.
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