The family of a Mississippi man discovered hanging from a tree on Monday is requesting a separate autopsy as authorities look into his death, currently considered a suicide.
Attorney Vanessa J. Jones, who is representing the family of Demartravion Reed, stated that the events leading up to him being found on Delta State University’s grounds, where he was a student, are still unclear.
Jones criticized college and Bolivar County officials, alleging that the media learned about Reed’s death before his family did, as reported by 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.
“With all the surveillance capabilities present on Delta State University’s campus, from the moment he exited his dorm or entered campus, there should be footage of everything he did,” said the family’s lawyer, as per the Mississippi Free Press.
While online speculation concerning Reed’s death has arisen, Jones stated they are not asserting his death involved violence. Still, they desire an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Delta State University police chief Michael L. Peeler indicated they are treating Reed’s death as a suicide. In agreement, Bolivar County Deputy Coroner Murray Roark mentioned there were no signs of any broken bones 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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