Grenada, MS – The family of Demartravion “Trey” Reed is seeking an independent autopsy after his body was found hanging in a tree on the campus of Delta State University. On Monday, 21-year-old Reed’s body was discovered, and police reported no signs of foul play. However, the family says they’re not getting enough answers.
Reed’s body was found just hours after the Grenada County Sheriff’s Department informed his family that he had been found dead in his dorm room. The discrepancy has raised questions about what happened to Reed before his death.
“We want to know exactly what happened,” said Vanessa J. Jones, a lawyer representing Reed’s family. “We’re seeking answers from Delta State University and the coroner’s office.”
Jones criticized the university for not properly communicating with the family during this difficult time. She also accused officials of keeping the family in the dark about the circumstances surrounding Reed’s death.
“We didn’t know what was happening,” Jones said. “The media knew before we did. This is why we’re calling for an independent autopsy.”
Reed’s family wants to see surveillance footage and cameras from the day he died to understand what happened. The university has acknowledged that video exists, but hasn’t specified what it shows.
Delta State University President Dr. Dan Ennis defended the institution’s culture, saying it’s inclusive and welcoming to people of all backgrounds. However, his comments have been criticized by some who say they don’t address the concerns of Reed’s family.
The incident has sparked a national conversation about racial tensions and violence against African Americans in Mississippi. Several civil rights leaders are calling for a full investigation into Reed’s death.
“We can’t ignore this painful history,” said US House Rep. Bennie Thompson. “We must leave no stone unturned to find answers.”
Reed’s body was delivered to the Mississippi State Medical Examiner, and preliminary results are expected back within 24-48 hours.
Source: https://www.mississippifreepress.org/trey-reeds-family-calls-for-an-independent-autopsy-after-he-was-found-hanging-in-a-tree