MORE QUESTIONS
Hollywood actor & family call for answers after mystery death of his model daughter, 20, in her own apartment
Her family wants police to have more passion
THE cause of death for Hollywood actor Dwayne Adway’s daughter was declared a suicide, but her family is convinced there is more to the story.
Daelena Mackay, 20, was found dead in her Hollywood Boulevard apartment, following an argument with her ex-boyfriend on May 23.
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Daelena’s family questions the suicide ruling, citing her upcoming 21st birthday, graduation plans, and no suicide note as reasons for doubt, NBC affiliate KNBC reported on Tuesday.
The family is urging the Los Angeles Police Department and the Coroner's Office to re-examine the case, believing the circumstances of her death were not fully investigated.
"Did she take her life, or was her life taken from her is the question we shouldn’t necessarily have to be asking" her brother Kaevaan Mackay told KNBC.
“People were attracted to her if that makes sense. Her personality. And everything she wanted to do from modeling to acting. That was her niche.
"I want the Coroner's Office to do their job and look into the details," he continued.
NO AUTOPSY
The LAPD stated that detectives thoroughly investigated the death and met with the family multiple times.
However, the LA County Medical Examiner-Coroner ruled the death as suicide by hanging without performing an autopsy.
“Based on the examination and the circumstances surrounding the death, an autopsy was not required to determine that cause and manner of death,” the Department of Medical Examiner said.
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Daelena's mother said she observed extensive bruising and injuries on her daughter's body and is raising funds for a private autopsy for a deeper investigation to find the truth and justice, per KNBC.
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"I'm trying to fight for justice," Daelena's mom Elaine told KNBC.
The ex-boyfriend reported finding Daelena and attempted CPR before paramedics arrived.
NO PASSION
The family continues to push for a thorough investigation, feeling that the initial response from authorities lacked sufficient scrutiny and passion for uncovering the truth.
They were just so nonchalant about it, 'Oh, this is just another case that we're dealing with. It clearly looks like a suicide. Let's just write it off as that.' Where's the passion for the answer.
Kaevaan Mackay
“They were just so nonchalant about it, 'Oh, this is just another case that we're dealing with. It clearly looks like a suicide. Let's just write it off as that,'" Kaevaan said.
"Where's the passion for the answer?"
“We need a way to get answers so we can understand if she did do it or we are just in denial or if it is a homicide case and we need to get justice for her.
"But we can’t do that without evidence," her brother continued, per KNBC.
Daelena's dad and actor, Dwayne Adway, has called for justice in his daughter's case.
"I am heartbroken and grieving the loss of my beautiful smart and talented daughter," Adway said.
"I am seeking a full investigation from LAPD in hopes of finding the truth and justice."
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The U.S. Sun has reached out to LAPD for comment on the case.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.