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A relatives of a African American young man whose body was discovered hanging from a large tree on a college campus in Mississippi has retained well-known legal advocate attorney Ben Crump as questions grow surrounding the tragic demise.

Initial Reports and Ongoing Inquiry

Recently, employees at Delta State University discovered the body of a student named Trey Reed adjacent to university sports areas. Campus police chief Michael Peeler mentioned that the student seemingly succumbed by suicide and that there were no indications of foul play, but unease have grown within the family.

As authorities and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation probe the incident, lawyers assisting the loved ones are carrying out their own review and plan to seek an separate examination.

“Demartravion was a person full of hope and warmth, deeply loved and esteemed by all who knew him. His loved ones and the university merit a thorough, external review to determine the facts about what happened.”

Calls for National Action

Meanwhile, a congressman, a Mississippi Democratic politician, requested the FBI to look into the case.

“Federal agents has the capabilities and knowledge necessary to conduct a detailed, fair investigation, and time is of the essence,” the congressman commented in a release.

The FBI stated that it is aware of the situation and “willing to look into” if there is evidence of a suspected national offense.

Historical Context

The institution in Cleveland, close to the neighboring state border, is located only about 30 miles from a place historically linked with the infamous murder of Emmett Till. A memorial at the nearby river spot marks the finding 70 years ago of Till’s mutilated remains in the waterway.

The student’s case quickly drew attention online, and evoked memories the time of racial injustice of oppression and the deadly assaults of people of color at the hands of mobs in the state and across the US south.

Official Findings and Public Reaction

The medical examiner disputed rumors that the student was found with fractures. In a release mentioned by local news outlets, the coroner said that his team conducted a initial review and found the young man did not suffer any lacerations, contusions, compound fractures, or harm indicating an altercation.

A civil rights organization said in a statement: “Although preliminary findings provided no evidence of external involvement, we understand our doubt amidst increasing race-based violence directed toward our population in this nation.”

“So while we wait for more official medical findings and information, we share this historical context with a clear understanding: Our people have not historically died from wooded areas.”

Campus Actions

In a message shared on the university’s Facebook page, the school leader mentioned that the school was resuming operations while remembering the passing. He said that administrators were communicating with the family.

“We know that we can not fully fix this pain. We continue to cooperate with officials. We are ensuring that all the facts necessary is given to investigators. And we are praying for resolution.”

Instruction were canceled on the day of the incident at the campus, as were celebrations to mark the centennial of its establishment.