Student's death by hanging in tree at Black Delta State campus determined as suicide after autopsy examination
A 21-year-old Black student named Demartravion 'Trey' Reed was found hanging from a tree near the pickleball courts on the Delta State University campus in Mississippi. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with the FBI field office in Jackson, Mississippi, now involved in the investigation. According to reports, the FBI is in regular contact with local authorities, prepared to investigate if any evidence of a potential federal violation comes to light during the local investigation. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) is assisting in the investigation, but only in relation to the incident at Delta State University. The Bolivar County Coroner's Office has confirmed that Reed did not suffer any injuries consistent with an assault. The Mississippi State Medical Examiner ruled Reed's death a suicide. However, Reed's family, represented by national civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, has expressed skepticism and has announced plans to commission an independent autopsy to verify the findings of the state medical examiner. The school has received threats in the wake of Reed's death and has had an increased law enforcement presence on campus. Delta State University President Dan Ennis acknowledged that the incident has stoked tensions on campus and stirred up memories of the racist violence of the state's Jim Crow-era history. In a separate development, a second man, identified as 35-year-old Cory Zukatis, was also found hanging from a tree in Vicksburg, about 100 miles south of Cleveland, Mississippi, on the same day. Zukatis' body was discovered in a wooded area known to be frequented by drug users, and he was homeless and allegedly used drugs since the age of 14. The MBI is not involved in the investigation of Zukatis' death. Final toxicology results are pending and may take two to four weeks to complete. The case remains an 'active investigation,' and all materials have been given to the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office for further review. The investigation into Reed's death was initially taken over by the Coroner's Office of Bolivar County and the Mississippi State Crime Lab. Peeler, the local sheriff, has asked the MBI to assist in the probe of Reed's death. As the investigation continues, the community awaits answers and closure in the tragic deaths of Reed and Zukatis.
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