Activists in Mississippi are demanding answers after two men were found hanging from trees in less than 24 hours. But although authorities have promised a thorough and complete investigation, the public still has haunting questions, which has led to shocking misinformation being spread.
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In the early morning of Monday (Sep. 15), the body of a Black man named Demartravion “Trey” Reed was found near the pickleball courts at his school, Delta State University in Cleveland, Miss., according to University Police Chief Michael L. Peeler. Police ruled there are no signs of foul play. Now, his family wants answers.
“We want answers, and we’re going to launch our own independent investigation to get those answers,” his family’s lawyer, Vanessa J. Jones, said. “We will seek answers independently from Delta State University and from the coroner’s office, and if need be, independent from the state coroner’s office, because we need answers as to what happened to Trey Reed.”
Rumors About Additional Injuries
In the days following Reed’s discovery, rumors began circulating online that the 21-year-old suffered horrific injuries prior to his death. Users on X and TikTok falsely claimed Trey suffered broken bones, bruises and lashings before he was hanged. However, a statement from the Bolivar County Coroner’s office said the opposite is true.
The preliminary death investigation found no signs of broken bones or assault on the body of Reed, according to the Clarion Ledger. Still, his family said they’re planning to conduct their own autopsy, because the police haven’t been the most forthcoming.
According to family, police first contacted the family telling them Reed had been found dead in his dorm room. It wasn’t until they turned on the news, that they learned the darker truth. But while Reed’s family was hit with the devastating reality of circumstances of his death, another man in Mississippi would be found dead in a similar manner.
Corey Zukatis Falsely Identified
According to police, a white man named Cory Zukatis, 36, was found hanging from a tree the same day they found Reed. Social media quickly ran with the narrative of two men being hanging in Mississippi, which led to some posting photos of 17-year-old Galvin Fortenberry, who was killed in shooting this month, WDAM reported.
Authorities have since provided accurate photos of Zukatis, who was reportedly homeless at the time of his death. At this time, police say the two deaths are not connected.
What Is the Community Saying?
To be expected, communities in Mississippi are devastated and outraged by the shocking deaths. Many have insisted these two men were lynched, including Chicago rapper Chance the Rapper who shared Reed’s story on X. Police have ruled Reed’s death a suicide.
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