MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Memphis family is facing their first Thanksgiving without a loved one. Derrick Smalls Sr. died in police custody this past summer, and his family is still seeking justice. WREG's Alan Selph has an update on the family's struggle to cope with their loss. “It’s really been a rough year," said his widow, Shequita Smalls. "I’m processing how to raise my children without my husband and no answer. I’m still waiting on some answers.” She says the family is not celebrating Thanksgiving this year. She's still waiting to hear back from the medical examiner's office, which is investigating her husband's death.  Derrick Smalls was arrested back on May 28 at the Memphis International Airport, where he was accused of trying to break into a car. Lacking ID, he was booked under the alias “Sam Doe.” A week later, Shequita received a call from a TBI investigator saying Derrick had been arrested and was set to be released from custody on May 30. Records she showed WREG said he “became combative with guards in jail then fell unresponsive” and was hospitalized. She says he died on June 10. Medical records stated he suffered from acute encephalopathy, kidney injury, sepsis, and suspected meningitis, which also had Shequita feeling suspicious. Family demands answers after man dies in custody “At first they were saying 90 days," Smalls said. "After the 90 days, I called every week and they say they need more time. I asked to be put in touch with the medical examiner. She stated that she’s working hard to get justice for Derrick to find out what happened.” The Smalls' household was unusually quiet on Thanksgiving Day. No turkey was cooking, no decorations were up, and no celebrations were underway. The only sound came from the eight year old twin boys, playing a video game their dad used to play with them. With Christmas approaching, the children are already feeling the sting of their dad's absence, especially when it comes to presents. Smalls says the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is handling her husband's case, but they've heard nothing. She's not looking to ruin anyone's holiday, but she wants investigators to know her family's pain isn't going away. “ I don’t want them to not enjoy their holidays because I’m not the type of person, but I do want them to at least have us in their thoughts, and know that Derrick Smalls’ his family has changed. This has changed our lives forever," she said. We reached out to TBI on this matter and they were not available for comment.