A Black student was found hanging from a tree at Delta State University on Monday morning. Law enforcement said there currently is no evidence of foul play as the investigation is still ongoing. However, the NAACP posted a message saying, “A man was lynched yesterday.”
What happened to Trey Reed at Delta State University?
Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a 21-year-old student at Delta State, was found hanging from a tree on campus around 7:05 a.m. on Monday. The university has since canceled classes and campus events, but did not go into a full lockdown. It is currently unclear when classes will resume. Counselors and support services were made available to students.
“Our community is deeply saddened by this loss and we extend our heartfelt condolences to families and friends and all those who were impacted by Trey’s loss,” Delta State University president Daniel J. Ennis said at a press conference on Monday afternoon, according to MPB. “I’ve spoken to Trey’s family and expressed our heartbreak.”
Police say there is no evidence of ‘foul play’ amid their ongoing investigation
Law enforcement is currently investigating the circumstances of Reed’s death, director of public safety and chief of police at the university, Col. Michael Peeler said.
“As of this time, there’s no evidence of foul play,” he said. “While there’s no evidence of foul play, the body has been retrieved by the Bolivar County Coroner’s Office.”
Although the investigation is still ongoing, Bolivar County Deputy Coroner Murray Roark shared that there has reportedly been no evidence of broken arms or legs during a medical examination.
“I don’t think I should probably discuss this any further than that. My opinion is that it was self-done, and I have reasons for that,” he said, according to the Mississippi Free Press.
The NAACP issued a statement
On Tuesday, the NAACP published a statement via Instagram regarding the tragic incident.
“The body of 21 year old #treyreed was found hanging from a tree on the campus of #deltastateuniversity,” the NAACP captioned its post. “While initial reports offered no evidence of ‘foul play,’ you’d have to excuse our skepticism amidst growing racially motivated violence targeted at our communities across this nation.”
The NAACP added that it would wait for the official autopsy report: “So while we await more formal autopsy reports and information, we offer this piece of history with a level of certainty: Our people have not historically hung ourselves from trees…”
Trey Reed’s family is pushing for a thorough investigation
“Trey was our little quiet light. He was sweet, well mannered, and would give you the world if he could. We ask that you continue to keep our family in your prayers as we continue to navigate through these unforeseen times,” Reed’s family said in a statement obtained by WAPT.
Reed’s cousin insisted that a thorough investigation is needed: “Please, do your own research on this. Do not let them sweep nothing under the rug. Enough is enough,” they said.
Some students have also expressed their concerns regarding safety on campus.
“Well, because I am a Black student, hearing that happened to another black student, it really makes me feel unsafe,” Delta State University student Stacie Hoskins said, according to WAPT.
“I do have to walk to class, and I like to go walk the track, and it just, it would be nice to know what happened,” student Eriana Murphy added.
Amid students expressing their concerns, Peeler said the campus is safe.
“I just want to confirm this is a safe campus,” he said, according to MPB. “Delta State University is a beautiful place to be. It’s just unfortunate, this loss that comes heavy to our campus.”
