CLEVELAND — It has been just more than six years since Tamir Rice’s death and his mother has been holding on to hope that justice would come for her son.

"I knew that Tamir deserved an indictment and a conviction," Samaria Rice said.

What You Need To Know

  • The U.S Department of Justice announced the federal investigation into the fatal shooting of Tamir Rice has been closed

  • The department will not bring federal criminal charges against the two officers involved in the 2014 shooting

  • Rice’s mother says the decision forces her to move forward with no justice

On Nov. 22, 2014, 12-year-old Tamir Rice was shot and killed outside of a recreation center by then-Cleveland police officer Timothy Loehmann.

Loehmann shot Rice after a witness called 911 to report someone had a gun in a park.

The caller stated that he was "probably a juvenile," and that the gun was "probably fake."

Last week, the U.S Department of Justice told Rice the investigation into the shooting would be closed and released the following statement:

“…After extensive examination of the facts in this tragic event, career justice department prosecutors have concluded that the evidence is insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Officer Loehmann willfully violated Tamir Rice’s constitutional rights, or that officers Loehmann or Garmback obstructed justice.”

Rice said the decision only left her with more questions and more motivation to hold the officer responsible for Tamir’s death accountable in some way.

“I deserve some answers. I deserve some answers. And I will be pursuing state charges on Timothy Loehmann.  I’m in the process of looking for an attorney to pursue those charges for me,” Rice said.

Along with seeking justice for her son, Rice has spent the last six years as an advocate for police reform.

She's currently working to petition for independent civilian oversight of police in Cleveland.

Rice also works tirelessly to make sure Tamir’s story is remembered.

“It’s been a lot of struggle. A lot of struggle. A lot of emotions. A lot of ups and downs, just planning Tamir’s legacy,” Rice said.

Rice is the founder and CEO of the Tamir Rice Foundation and the Tamir Rice Afrocentric Cultural Center, which have goals of investing into the growth, safety and enrichment of Cleveland youth.

“I just wanted to be able to provide some services for children that have an outlet and (make sure they) have a safe place to come to,” she said.

The Tamir Rice Afrocentric Cultural Center, which is located in Downtown Cleveland, is currently under renovation.

When the center opens it will provide young people an outlet through after-school programs in arts and culture.