BRAZOS COUNTY — Patrick Warren Senior's loved ones are preparing for his funeral since he was fatally shot by an officer during a mental health call. The wake is Thursday in Fort Worth.
A mental health professional who is a family friend spoke about the trauma left behind and her questions that still surround his death.
The Warren family says This mental health call turned into a mental health scar.
"Systems are failing individuals. If you are suffering from mental health, I don't feel mental health should lead to a death sentence," Nicole White, LMSW, LCDC-I and Owner, Center to Rise Wellness Spa Studio said.
Since Bryan native, Patrick Warren Senior was fatally shot on his front lawn by a Killeen Police officer during a mental emergency, his family has been advocating for justice- constantly reliving the moment.
"I don't have the time to grieve. That is traumatic in itself. I don't have time to grieve the loss of my loved one which I watched be crucified in front of me," said Nicole White, owner of Center to Rise.
The family made a mental health call for Warren Senior the day before the shooting. The first call ended with help. Warren Senior was brought to a mental health facility. White, who is a family friend, still struggles to understand why he was released and how the two different calls ended so differently.
"Mental health is so serious and so real and so needed, we don't have time to make mistakes like Mr. Warren," White said.
White says that the tragic moment leaves scars on everyone involved, including the officer, advocating that this incident should be even more reason make sure the properly trained professionals are on-site of any mental health call.
"Professionals can come out and deescalate and/ or ensure that the person is safe from themselves and others without murdering them," White said.
Texas Rangers are investigating. White recommends Warren's loved ones seek their own mental health support as they go through the grieving process.
The funeral will be held on Friday in Fort Worth for Patrick Warren Sr. A graveside service will be held in his hometown of Bryan on Saturday.