CLEVELAND, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi police are currently awaiting autopsy results for a 21-year-old Black student found hanging from a tree at Delta State University, an incident that has sparked strong emotions in a state with a troubling history of racist violence. The student was discovered early Monday near the campus pickleball courts, and while law enforcement officials have stated that there is no evidence of foul play, the family is demanding further clarification and has enlisted the help of renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump.
During a news conference, campus police Chief Michael Peeler provided limited new information, describing the death as an “isolated incident” and assuring that there were no ongoing threats to students and faculty. Peeler urged the community to exercise patience and compassion as the investigation unfolds. An autopsy was being conducted by the chief state medical examiner, with preliminary findings expected within a couple of days.
Peeler confirmed that video footage is part of the evidence in the case, although he refrained from offering specifics about its content or source, citing the ongoing investigation. Ben Crump, in his statement, called for the student's family to have access to any video evidence collected by police. He announced that he intends to lead an independent investigation alongside civil rights groups, which will also include an independent autopsy to ascertain the details surrounding the death.
Family members have voiced their concerns about the lack of information from university officials. During a press conference the previous day, attorney Vanessa Jones highlighted that the student was new to Delta State this fall and “full of life, eager to be there.” She emphasized the necessity for comprehensive surveillance throughout the campus, arguing that footage could clarify the sequence of events leading up to the tragic discovery.
Speculation surrounding the circumstances of the student's death has been rampant, with online rumors suggesting that he was found with broken limbs. However, Bolivar County Coroner Randolph Seals Jr. dismissed these claims, clarifying in a statement that his preliminary examination revealed no signs of lacerations, contusions, or fractures that would indicate an assault.
Delta State President Dan Ennis articulated the sensitivity surrounding the case, noting that it is not solely about facts but also about the emotional impact the loss has had on the community. He acknowledged the historical context that many are drawing upon, referencing a darker period in U.S. history marked by racial violence, particularly in Mississippi, including the infamous lynching of Emmett Till, whose body was discovered 30 miles from the Delta State campus.
Students at the university, particularly those from the Black community, have expressed feelings of unease and distress following the incident. Marquon McKinney, a fellow student, shared that many are upset and feel as though university officials are attempting to downplay the severity of the situation. He recounted a moment when his mother called him during class on Monday to ensure he was safe, before he was aware of the reported death.
Located in the Mississippi Delta near the Arkansas border, Delta State University has a diverse student body, with over 2,600 enrolled students for the fall 2024 term, 42% of whom are Black. U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson, a Democrat from Mississippi, has called for the FBI to intervene and investigate the circumstances surrounding the student's death.
