Congressman Bennie Thompson is calling for a federal investigation into a Black student at Delta State University found hanging from a tree on Monday, although local law enforcement so far have said they do not believe foul play is suspected.
Thompson, who represents the area of Mississippi the school is located in, released a statement Tuesday afternoon urging the Justice Department and FBI to investigate the “suspicious death” of Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a 21-year-old from Grenada, Mississippi. Reed’s body was discovered near central campus at approximately 7:05 a.m. by a staffer at the university in Cleveland.
“It is always a tragedy when a young life is cut short. We must leave no stone unturned in the search for answers,” Thompson said. “While the details of this case are still emerging, we cannot ignore Mississippi’s painful history of lynching and racial violence against African Americans. My deepest condolences and prayers are with Trey’s family.
“Federal resources are critical in cases like this. The FBI has the tools and experience necessary to conduct a thorough, unbiased inquiry, and time is of the essence. I have also spoken directly with Trey’s family, and they, along with the community, deserve nothing less than a complete and transparent investigation.”
The state Reed was found in, and the region’s history, has raised questions and ramped up social media speculation. Some users have written or posted videos speculating that Reed was beaten and bruised and found with broken arms. Law enforcement and medical officials have refuted those claims.
Delta State Police Chief Michael Peeler said during a Monday afternoon press conference that “no foul play is suspected” as his office works with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Bolivar County Sheriff’s Department, and Cleveland Police Department to investigate.
Preliminary examination information released Tuesday by Bolivar County Coroner Randolph “Rudy” Seals Jr. said Reed did not have any broken bones or “injuries consistent with an assault,” saying “there is no evidence to suggest the individual was physically attacked before his death.”
“Based on the preliminary examination, we can confirm that the deceased did not suffer any lacerations, contusions, compound fractures, broken bones, or injuries consistent with an assault,” the coroner’s office said.
Even with the preliminary examination being issued, a full autopsy has not yet been completed by the state. Reed’s body is being sent to the Mississippi State Crime Lab in Pearl.
But an attorney representing Reed’s family told reporters during a press conference they plan to order an independent autopsy either way.
“Trey’s family is not willing to accept any cause of death until they have been presented with all the facts that will be independently verified through our own investigation,” attorney Vanessa Jones said, according to Memphis-based TV station WREG.
Jones alleged that Delta State President Dr. Daniel Ennis has not reached out to Reed’s family.
“As we move forward, we’re just looking for answers that a simple camera on the university’s campus would answer,” Jones said. “The media knew about this before Trey’s family did.”
Ennis, on the other hand, has said he remains in contact with the family after first speaking with them before the Monday afternoon press conference. In a video statement on Tuesday, Ennis said he does not want to compromise the investigation by sharing too much information but is offering “love and support” to the family.
“We continue to meet with and be in contact with Trey’s family. We give them our love and support, and we know that can never fully heal this wound.” Ennis said. “None of us will fully heal, but we have to go on.”
“We’re aware of the recent coroner report and we’re aware of other developments in the investigation as is the family,” he continued. “As you might imagine, we can only release information that’s appropriate, and we will never release any information or make any statement that compromises the ability of authorities to get an answer that is true, that is real, and that, if not satisfying, at least helps us understand a little bit better what occurred.”
Law enforcement plan to provide another update on the investigation Wednesday morning, according to a press release from Delta State. Counselors are available on campus to students, faculty, and staff impacted by Reed’s death.