Andrew Hanlon (20) was killed on June 30 by an officer who was responding to a reported burglary in progress at a house in Silverton, Oregon.

Mr Hanlon's family believe that Andrew, who had been suffering from slight psychological problems but had not been diagnosed, had been on his way to his sister's home nearby when he got lost and that he was knocking on doors to ask for directions.

His sister, Melanie Heise, has seen his body and believes he was shot between four and seven times.

Police, citing the active investigation, have declined to say how many shots were fired, or if Mr Hanlon had a weapon.

"We are hopeful to have the investigation wrapped up by end of this week, or the beginning of next week," Doug Hanson, deputy Marion County district attorney, said yesterday.

He will then decide whether to take the case to a grand jury. Mr Hanlon's sister Melanie and brother-in-law Nathan Heise are due to meet the district attorney this week, while Mr Hanlon's mother, Dorothea, is also expected in Oregon from Dublin.

Aware that the lack of information from the authorities has led to criticism from Mr Hanlon's family, the district attorney's office yesterday said it had tried to reach Dorothea Hanlon-Carroll but could not get through because the phones were blocking outbound international calls.