SAN ANTONIO – The parents of slain teenager Kristiana Coignard, 17, spoke out Monday for the first time since a Jan. 22 incident in the lobby of the Longview Police Department, in which the teen allegedly brandished a butcher knife, then lunged at officers.
Moments later police opened fire, killing the girl.
Erik and Beth Coignard, Kristiana's father and stepmother who live in San Antonio, said they believed Kristiana's actions captured on surveillance video were a cry for help.
WATCH: Longview police confrontation
"It was difficult for her to express, but she knew that she needed help," Erik Coignard said.
Tim Maloney, the family's attorney, said they believe, "The knife was like, ‘Look, grab me. I'm a threat. Take me in. I need help.'"
Maloney said the clothes in her backpack may have been an indication, she was prepared to be hospitalized.
Asked about the reports that Kristiana also had the words, "I have a gun," written on her hand, Maloney said they are awaiting autopsy results.
Her father and stepmother said they remember her as a young girl who was bright, funny, loving and creative.
But they also said Kristiana had sought help from the mental health system, with medications and counseling.
They said Kristiana, who was about to turn 18, had gone to visit her grandmother in East Texas.
Beth Coignard said two days before she was killed, Kristiana texted her, "Mom, I'm excited about my future."
Her family and their attorney were quick to point out this is not about bashing police. They said a lawsuit is still undecided.
They said their goal is for crisis intervention training to become mandatory for law enforcement who often must deal with the mentally ill.
"That would be a victory for this tragedy," Maloney said.
Kristie Brian, a spokeswoman for the Longview Police Department, said the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement requires all officers who only have a basic certificate to take crisis intervention training every four years.
"Once they have an intermediate certificate, it is no longer required," Brian said.
She said the officers involved in January's incident had all taken crisis intervention training.
Two of the officers remain on administrative leave, the third has now returned to duty, Brian said.
Kristiana's father, a former correctional officer, and her mother, who is getting her master's degree in the ministry, said they realize other parents have children who suffer with emotional issues like their daughter.
"Your love is their greatest resource, just knowing that you're never going to give up on your child," Erik Coignard said.