TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) – Family members and civil rights advocates gathered outside the district attorney’s office in Tupelo Thursday.

They sought a meeting with District Attorney Jason Herring to ensure the case of Spencer Eckford is heard during the next grand jury.

Herring was not in his Tupelo office when the group gathered.

Eckford, of Aberdeen, died in July while in custody at the Monroe County jail.

According to Monroe County Sheriff Kevin Crook, Eckford was arrested on trespassing and public drunkenness charges.

Crook said a corrections officer later used a stun gun on Eckford during booking. Eckford later died.

The sheriff said his officers have a right to defend themselves.

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is investigating Eckford’s death.

The gathering was led by John C. Barnett, a national civil rights activist.

Barnett said getting to know Eckford’s sister helped him better understand the man his family is fighting for.

“Those conversations allowed me to bond with her so I could get to know who this man was even more,” Barnett said. “So we’re fighting for justice, and we hope that the grand jury sees this story and maybe it will inspire them to do the right thing. This man was tased to death.”

Barnett wants the grand jury to take a close look at the case. The group also hopes to meet with Herring to discuss its concerns.

The group says it wants the evidence surrounding Eckford’s death to be fully considered as the case moves forward.