De’Martravion “Trey” Reed, a 21-year-old Black freshman at Delta State University, was discovered hanging from a tree on campus on September 15, only weeks into his college journey. In a swift response, local officials promptly asserted there was no evidence of foul play, with the coroner’s office declaring there were no visible injuries consistent with an assault and suggesting the death was likely a suicide. Mississippi officials, including Police Commissioner Sean Tindell, urged the public to refrain from jumping to conclusions, particularly those linking Reed’s death to historical traumas related to lynching. Tindell emphasized that the state has not seen a documented case of lynching in decades, criticizing what he labeled as sensationalist speculation.
Governor Tate Reeves echoed these sentiments, describing Reed’s death as a tragedy while urging people not to let historical narratives cloud their judgment. His remarks gained attention, particularly considering the rapid expression of concern he provided following recent violent incidents, such as the murder of a different public figure. In the wake of Reed’s death, tensions have arisen amidst calls for further investigation, heightening scrutiny on the actions taken by state and local officials.
Confusion has ensued among family and investigators regarding the circumstances surrounding Reed’s death. Reed’s grandfather reported being told his grandson was found unconscious in his dorm, which was later contradicted by Sheriff’s Deputy Ricky Williamson, who didn’t clarify the location where Reed was discovered. Attorney Vanessa J. Jones, representing the Reed family, expressed frustration over the lack of direct communication from authorities. The local police have indicated that video evidence exists, yet the specifics about what the footage captures remain unclear, and the family has not been granted access to it.
To instill confidence in the findings, notable civil rights attorney Ben Crump has joined the Reed family’s legal team, announcing that the “Know Your Rights Camp Autopsy Initiative” would fund an independent autopsy, reflecting the family’s mistrust in local investigations. Crump’s involvement mirrors past cases involving high-profile instances of racial violence, reinforcing the demand for accountability and thorough investigation.
Concerns regarding the integrity of Mississippi’s medical examiner system have been voiced, with critics noting its historical flaws and a lack of rigorous standards for coroners. Jill Collen Jefferson, a civil rights lawyer and Mississippi native, articulated skepticism about the capacity of local officials to conduct fair investigations, citing systemic issues that have long plagued the state’s approach to examining deaths.
The historical context surrounding Reed’s death is unsettling; just miles from the site of his discovery, the legacy of racial violence in Mississippi looms large, with historical instances of similarly unjust deaths stoking fear and mistrust among communities of color. Jefferson pointed out that allegations of suicide being used to disguise lynching have resurfaced throughout history, leading to a painful cycle of skepticism in cases involving Black victims.
As the Reed family seeks justice and clarification about Trey Reed’s death, this incident encapsulates broader issues of racial violence and the need for transparency in investigations. The call for an independent review mirrors a growing acknowledgment that the past does not merely inform the present—it demands it be recognized in questions still waiting for answers. The unfolding of this case will surely keep national attention focused on Mississippi’s approach to justice and accountability in its ongoing battle against historical injustices.