Unsolved case of lady discovered useless in Washington Park results in custody battle over daughter

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – Police have failed to resolve the case of an unconscious woman in Washington Park who later died in a hospital in September.

She left a daughter in foster care.

Now the father’s family wants custody, but comes across a roadblock with the state.

The family protested briefly and said the state of Wisconsin should re-move the 3-year-old daughter with her family.

They don’t understand why a court doesn’t see it that way.

“When she was killed in Washington Park Lagoon a few months ago and I want to pay homage to her,” said community activist Tracey Dent.

Ee Lee, 36, died after being found unconscious from the lagoon in Washington Park in September. The police did not solve her death, but her 3-year-old daughter Sarah has been in care since she was born.

The paternal side of the family tried to get custody without luck.

“We always say what’s in the child’s best interests, the child is in the biological family,” said Dent.

The family organized a protest outside the Milwaukee Child Protective Services to raise awareness about their case.

Paternal grandmother, Markata Turner, said she did everything she could to obtain custody, including moving from Florida.

“I’ve done a home study, I’ve done my visits, I’ve done visits since she was born,” Turner said.

Great Uncle Jay Smith said they were stopped at every turn.

“They fought our family to adopt Sarah even though she has capable people in her family to have her,” said Smith.

The Wisconsin Department for Children and Families has not returned any email with questions about the case.

Turner doesn’t understand what judges think about this case.

“I have no idea, I have no idea,” said Turner.

The child’s father declined to speak to us as the case is still active.