CLEVELAND, Miss. (AP) - An autopsy conducted by the Mississippi state medical examiner reported that a Black student found hanging from a tree at Delta State University died by suicide, according to police findings released on Thursday. The police department in Cleveland, where the university is situated, announced that the autopsy results corroborated an initial examination by the Bolivar County coroner, which found no indications of foul play.
The 21-year-old student’s death, discovered early on a Monday morning, sparked immediate uproar in a region with a historical background marked by racist violence. Activists and community members expressed their grief and anger following the announcement of the student's tragic death, leading to calls for thorough investigations and transparency.
Even before the official autopsy results were publicized, the family of the deceased student, along with their legal representatives, urged for an independent autopsy. They also requested the release of any security camera footage and other video evidence collected during the police investigation. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump stated he would lead an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the student's death, emphasizing the need for transparency and justice.
Cleveland police shared limited details regarding the findings of the autopsy, confirming that the cause of death was hanging and the manner of death had been determined as suicide. However, they noted that results from toxicology tests are still pending, which could take several weeks before being available.
The police department emphasized that their investigation into the student’s death is ongoing. They are working in collaboration with the FBI and federal prosecutors, sharing evidentiary files relevant to the case. U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson, a Democrat from Mississippi, previously requested the FBI to conduct an investigation to ensure that all details surrounding the case are thoroughly examined.
The student’s untimely death has raised questions and concern in the community, as many advocate for a comprehensive review of the events leading up to the tragic incident. The calls for justice and accountability underscore a broader societal challenge in addressing racial dynamics and ensuring that such cases are handled with the utmost seriousness and care.
The significant emotional resonance of the incident is reflective of Mississippi's historical context, coupled with the present-day realities of racial tensions and violence faced by Black individuals in the region. The community continues to seek answers and demands a transparent process that honors the life and memory of the deceased student.
