CLEVELAND, Miss. (WJTV) – U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) has called on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to launch an investigation into the death of a Delta State University (DSU) student whose body was found hanging from a tree on September 15, 2025.
The body of De’Martravion “Trey” Reed, a 21-year-old, first-year student from Grenada, Mississippi, was found around 7:30 a.m., hanging from a tree near the pickleball courts.
The county coroner’s office arrived around 8:00 a.m. and pronounced Reed dead.
“Based on the preliminary examination, we can confirm that the deceased did not suffer any lacerations, contusions, compound fractures, broken bones, or injuries consistent with an assault,” the coroner’s office said in a statement released Tuesday. “At this time, there is no evidence to suggest the individual was physically attacked before his death.”
His remains will now go to the Mississippi State Crime Lab for an autopsy. Delta State officials said Monday there is no evidence suggesting any foul play in Reed’s death, and no threat to the campus. They are continuing to investigate.
“It is always a tragedy when a young life is cut short. We must leave no stone unturned in the search for answers. While the details of this case are still emerging, we cannot ignore Mississippi’s painful history of lynching and racial violence against African Americans. My deepest condolences and prayers are with Trey’s family during this difficult time,” said Thompson. “Federal resources are critical in cases like this. The FBI has the tools and experience necessary to conduct a thorough, unbiased inquiry, and time is of the essence. I have also spoken directly with Trey’s family, and they, along with the community, deserve nothing less than a complete and transparent investigation.”
Reed’s family has retained Attorney Ben Crump.
“Trey Reed was a young man full of promise and warmth, deeply loved and respected by all who knew him. His family and the campus community deserve a full, independent investigation to uncover the truth about what happened. We cannot accept vague conclusions when so many questions remain. I stand with this family, and I will lead a team of civil rights leaders and organizations in pursuing transparency and answers for Trey’s family,” Crump said.
WREG contributed to this report.
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