Black Student Found Hanged From Tree at Mississippi School
The family of Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a Black student found hanging from a tree on the campus of Delta State University in Mississippi, has retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump to push for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, The Guardian reports.
Reed’s body was discovered Monday near the university’s pickleball courts. According to police, initial findings suggest suicide, with no signs of foul play or injuries indicating an assault. However, the family remains unconvinced and has called for an independent autopsy amid growing concern and skepticism within the community.
Attorney Ben Crump described Reed as “full of promise and warmth” and emphasized the need for a thorough and transparent investigation. He warned against settling for “vague conclusions” while key questions remain unanswered.
The case has triggered painful reminders of the South’s legacy of racial violence, especially given Delta State’s proximity to the site where Emmett Till was lynched in 1955. Online speculation and public concern over the possibility of a modern-day lynching have intensified, according to NBC News.
University Police Chief Jeffrey Johns confirmed that surveillance videos are part of the ongoing investigation, CNN reports.
Congressman Bennie Thompson has formally requested the FBI’s involvement, citing the agency’s ability to conduct an “unbiased inquiry.” The FBI has stated it is monitoring the case and is prepared to intervene if federal civil rights violations are suspected.
The NAACP has echoed community concerns, cautioning against dismissing fears rooted in historical trauma. “Our people have not historically hung ourselves from trees,” the organization said in a statement, underscoring the need for a sensitive and comprehensive response.
Delta State University President Dan Ennis has since canceled classes and centennial celebrations in light of the tragedy. He acknowledged the profound impact on the campus and pledged the university’s full cooperation with all investigations.
About Post Author
