Love, 37, was killed in early May after being shot several times by a Mundelein police officer responding to a 9-1-1 call at her home.
Following a meeting with Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart, family members and supporters spoke publicly after learning the inquest's conclusion.
"I never would've thought that picking up the phone to ask for help and support that we would be in this position," Love's sister, Bertrand Love-Wakaba, said.
A finding of homicide identifies the manner of death but does not determine whether anyone is legally at fault.
Love's family maintains that she posed no danger and said they called 9-1-1 because she was experiencing a mental health episode. Police, however, have said video from the incident shows Love holding a large knife and approaching officers before the officer opened fire.
Family spokesperson Bishop Tavis Grant said questions raised during the inquest focused on why a Taser was not used.
"Jury members asked why wasn't a taser used, and he answered he didn't believe it would work. How are you a trainer, supervisor and you don't believe in de-escalation?" Grant said.
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The family contends the officer did not issue a warning before shooting and argues that a Taser would have been a more appropriate response than a firearm. They are calling on the police department to immediately fire the officer and are urging the Lake County State's Attorney's Office to file criminal charges.
The officer has not been charged.
Family members described Love as "a gentle soul" who "lit up a room" when she entered.
"Nothing would heal the pain. The family is going through, but to think there might be justice, it gives us hope," Love-Wakaba said.
The Lake County State's Attorney's Office confirmed it met with the family but declined further comment. Mundelein police have not responded to the family's request that the officer be fired.
Kevin O'Connor, the family's attorney, said the inquest's finding marks progress for the family.
"This is a very good first step in moving this forward to bring the family, some peace and resolution," O'Connor said.
The family also claims the body-camera video from the incident was edited and said it hopes to release what it describes as the unedited video soon.