CLEVELAND, Miss. — In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Delta State University community and the nation, the body of 21-year-old student Demartravion “Trey” Reed was discovered hanging from a tree near the campus pickleball courts on Monday morning.
The incident has prompted widespread concern and calls for a thorough investigation, given Mississippi’s painful history of racial violence.
Initial Findings in Delta State Student’s Death Investigation
According to Delta State police chief Michael Peeler, initial assessments indicate that Reed’s death was likely a suicide, with no immediate signs of foul play, reports NBC News. However, given the context and the state’s past, the situation has stirred deep emotions and skepticism.
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Local authorities, alongside the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, are actively examining the circumstances surrounding Reed’s death. Simultaneously, attorneys representing Reed’s family are conducting an independent investigation to ensure all aspects are thoroughly explored.
Community and National Outcry Over Trey Reed Tragedy
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) swiftly addressed the incident, issuing a statement on Thursday that questioned the preliminary findings and highlighted the country’s ongoing struggle with racially motivated violence.
“While initial reports offered no evidence of ‘foul play’, you’d have to excuse our skepticism amidst growing racially motivated violence targeted at our communities across this nation,” the NAACP stated. They emphasized historical patterns of racially charged violence and the need for continued vigilance, reports WANE.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, renowned for his advocacy in similar cases, is representing Reed’s family, reports WAPT. Concurrently, Mississippi Democratic congressman Bennie Thompson has called for the FBI to step in, signaling the gravity and potential national implications of the case.
Historical Context and Emotional Impact of Delta State Incident
Reed’s death has evoked memories of the Jim Crow era and the lynching of Emmett Till, which occurred near Delta State University. This historical proximity has intensified the emotional impact on both the local community and the nation.
“I want to begin by acknowledging that the manner how Trey was discovered has stirred many emotions in this community and many emotions around the state and the nation,” said Delta State President Dan Ennis in a news conference held on Wednesday.
In an attempt to quell rumors, Bolivar County Coroner Randolph Seals Jr. clarified that a preliminary examination showed no signs of physical assault, such as lacerations or broken bones, reports The Guardian. Investigators are currently reviewing video footage related to Reed’s death to uncover more details.
As a precautionary measure, Delta State University canceled classes on Monday and has since heightened police presence on campus in response to threats received after Reed’s death.
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