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Suspect In Joe McKnight Shooting Released, Still Investigating

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NEW ORLEANS (CBSMiami/AP) -- The grandmother of Joe McKnight says family members are still seeking information on the former NFL player's death and why the man a sheriff identified as the shooter was released from custody.

Barbara Franklin told The Associated Press by telephone Friday that relatives are "trying to find out our own selves" more about what happened.

She says family members haven't had any communication with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office about Ronald Gasser's release, saying she learned of it through a radio broadcast Friday.

Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand on Thursday said Gasser was the man who shot McKnight.

The shooting happened about 3 p.m. Thursday in the New Orleans suburb of Terrytown.

"He might be released now, but God is going to bring about justice in it," Franklin said of Gasser's release.

Jennifer McKnight, the athlete's mother, declined through tears to speak to a reporter.

Normand says McKnight, 28, was standing outside his car when he was shot by Gasser, 54.

Normand says Gasser stayed at the scene and relinquished his weapon to responding officers. Gasser was taken into custody and questioned.

Sheriff's spokesman Col. John Fortunato says they're anticipating charging Gasser but it's unclear with what.

McKnight, who played for the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs, is the second NFL player this year to die as a result of a possible road-rage incident. Saints player Will Smith was killed in April.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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