mental health crisis, i really do. >> reporter: dillard's father kim says his son served in the military and knew he was going through tough times. >> talked to cory three days before this incident happened. and he explained to me, said, dad, i'm going through some things, but everything is going to be okay. >> reporter: days later, aurora police say dillard got in a parking lot fight with one man and told another woman he was going to kill her. police say dillard was carrying what looked like a deadly weapon. after being told to put it down, that's when investigators say dillard pointed what would later be confirmed as an air rifle at the officers. police opened fire. those in attendance at dillard's vigil now calling for better police training. >> why did you come escalating the situation instead of deescalating the situation. >> reporter: hoping it inspires others to take care of our veterans. >> it's waiting list here, waiting list there. mental health cannot wait. >> reporter: and lighting the way for change in cory dillard's memory. >> i love him. i miss him so much, and he didn't have to go out that way. >> our thanks to colton chavez for t