The family of a Mississippi man found hanging from a tree on Monday called for an independent autopsy as officials investigate his death as a suicide.
Lawyer Vanessa J. Jones, who is representing Demartravion Reed’s family, said it is unclear what happened before he was found hanging from a tree at Delta State University, where he was a student.
Jones also admonished college and Bolivar County officials, claiming the media was informed about Reed’s death before his family, according to the Mississippi Free Press.
Jones also alleged that on Tuesday, Grenada County officers went to the family’s home and told them Reed, 21, was found dead in bed in his dorm room.
“ If this young man was on the campus of Delta State University with all these cameras and all this modern technology, from the moment he left his dorm room or entered the campus, there should be surveillance of all his actions,” the family’s attorney said, according to the Mississippi Free Press.
Despite speculation that has swirled online regarding Reed’s death, Jones said they are not claiming Reed’s death was violent. Nevertheless, they are seeking an independent investigation into his death.
Not only did Delta State University police chief Michael L. Peeler say they are investigating Reed’s death as a suicide, but Bolivar County Deputy Coroner Murray Roark told said there was no evidence of broken arms or limbs.
On Monday, Reed was discovered hanging from a tree in the middle of Delta State University’s campus, behind the pickleball courts. While the campus was closed after Reed’s body was discovered, Peeler confirmed that a lockdown was not implemented.
Reed’s full autopsy report is pending.
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