A Black Student Was Found Hanging From a Tree. Police Say There’s No Sign of Foul Play

September 18, 2025

A 21-year-old Black college student was found hanging from a tree at Delta State University in Mississippi, with campus police stating there were no signs of foul play or ongoing threats. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, local police, and sheriff's deputies are assisting in the death investigation. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump has been retained by the student's family to conduct an independent investigation, while U.S. Rep.

Who is affected

The 21-year-old Black college student who died
The student's family
Delta State University students and faculty
The Delta State University community at large
The Black community in Mississippi

What action is being taken

Campus police, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, local police, and sheriff's deputies are investigating the death
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump is conducting an independent investigation for the family
U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson is calling for FBI involvement
Delta State University has canceled classes and centennial celebration events
Delta State is planning a news conference with state and local law enforcement agencies

Why it matters

The death has evoked Mississippi's historical context of racist violence and lynchings, particularly given the university's proximity to sites associated with civil rights atrocities like Emmett Till's murder. The incident has garnered significant attention on social media, with many expressing skepticism about the preliminary findings despite authorities reporting no evidence of foul play. The case highlights ongoing tensions and mistrust regarding investigations of Black deaths in areas with histories of racial violence. Delta State University, with a 42% Black student population, is experiencing disruption to both academic and community activities.

What's next

Delta State University plans to hold a news conference Wednesday with state and local law enforcement agencies.

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint