Cleveland woman killed during police chase was shot 24 times

(CBS/AP) CLEVELAND - The medical examiner says a woman killed in a chase that ended with Cleveland police firing a barrage of 137 rounds was shot 24 times.

Spokesman Powell Caesar released the findings on 30-year-old Malissa Williams' body Tuesday. Official findings are pending on the other person killed in the Nov. 29 chase, the 43-year-old driver, Timothy Russell.

No weapon or shell casings were found in their vehicle.

Family members say firing that many shots was unjustified. They asked for a federal investigation.

Officers say the driver, Russell, rammed a patrol car and nearly hit an officer, so force was necessary.

According to CBS affiliate  WOIO,  Russell led Willowick police on another high speed chase, after taking off during a routine traffic stop.

Charges in that case were eventually dismissed.

Investigators from the Ohio attorney general's office and the Cuyahoga County sheriff's department have joined the current investigation.

The pursuit of Russell and Williams began when an officer heard a gunshot near police headquarters in downtown Cleveland.