The family of a African American student found deceased suspended from a tree on a college campus in Mississippi has brought on well-known civil rights attorney attorney Ben Crump as doubts continue to mount about the tragic demise.
Initial Findings and Ongoing Inquiry
Recently, staff at the campus discovered the body of a student named Trey Reed near university pickleball courts. University police chief an official stated that the student seemingly succumbed by suicide and that there were no indications of external involvement, but concerns have escalated within the family.
While investigators and the state agencies examine the incident, lawyers acting for the family are pursuing their own inquiry and intend to request an independent autopsy.
“Trey was a individual filled with promise and warmth, deeply loved and valued by all who knew him. His relatives and the university merit a complete, independent investigation to reveal the truth about what happened.”
Calls for Federal Action
Meanwhile, a congressman, a Mississippi Democratic politician, requested the national investigators to investigate the case.
“The FBI has the resources and experience needed to conduct a detailed, impartial examination, and this is urgent,” the official stated in a release.
Federal authorities stated that it is monitoring the situation and “prepared to investigate” if there is indication of a suspected breach of federal law.
Historical Background
This campus in the town, not far from the neighboring state region, is located only about a short distance from a location infamously tied with the tragic murder of Emmett Till. A marker at the nearby river site recognizes the recovery decades past of Till’s disfigured body in the river.
This case quickly drew attention online, and brought to mind the Jim Crow era of violence and the brutal murders of people of color at the hands of mobs in the state and throughout the southern United States.
Official Statements and Community Response
The local official denied claims that Reed was found with fractures. In a announcement referenced by reporters, the coroner stated that his team conducted a preliminary examination and concluded the individual did not endure any cuts, injuries, compound fractures, or trauma consistent with an assault.
The NAACP said in a statement: “Although early accounts offered no indication of criminal acts, it is reasonable to feel our concern given growing biased violence targeted at our communities across this nation.”
“As we await more formal autopsy reports and information, we share this piece of history with a level of certainty: Our community have not in the past hung ourselves from wooded areas.”
Campus Reaction
In a address released on the institution’s online platform, the administrator mentioned that the campus was reopening while continuing to mourn the tragedy. He said that university representatives were maintaining contact with the loved ones.
“It is clear that we can not fully heal this wound. We are working closely with investigators. We are ensuring that all the details needed is given to authorities. And we continue to hope for clarity.”
Instruction were suspended on Monday at the university, as were celebrations to celebrate the centennial of its founding.
