Unsolved case of woman found dead in Washington Park leads to custody battle over daughter

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Police have not solved the case of a woman found unconscious in Washington Park who later died at a hospital in September.

She left behind a daughter in foster care.

Now the father's family wants custody, but is hitting a roadblock with the state.

The family held a brief protest saying the state of Wisconsin should place the 3-year-old daughter back with her family.

They don't understand why a court won't see it their way.

"As she was killed at Washington Park lagoon some months ago, and I want to pay homage to her," said Community Activist Tracey Dent.

Thirty-six-year-old Ee Lee died after being found unconscious by the Washington Park lagoon in September. Police have not solved her death, but her 3-year-old daughter Sarah has been in foster care since birth.

The father's side of the family has tried to get custody with no luck.

"We always say, what's in the best interest of the child, the child being with the biological family," said Dent.

The family organized a protest outside Milwaukee Child Protective Services to draw attention to their case.

Paternal Grandmother Markata Turner said she's done everything to get custody, including moving here from Florida.

"I've done a home study, I've done my visits, I've been doing visits since she was born," said Turner.

Great Uncle Jay Smith said they've been stopped at every turn.

"They have been fighting our family to adopt Sarah even though she has capable people in her family to have her," said Smith.

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families did not return an email asking questions about the case.

Turner doesn't understand what judges are thinking about this case.

"I have no idea, I have no idea," said Turner.

The child's father declined to talk to us because the case is still active.