Police Initially Told Family of Black Student Found on Campus Tree That He Died in His Dorm, Lawyer Says

Lawyers for the family of Demartravion “Trey” Reed say police first told them he died in his dorm room.

Reed, a student at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, was found dead hanging from a tree near the college’s pickleball courts on the morning of Monday, Sept. 15.

Vanessa J. Jones, an attorney for Reed’s family, said the Grenada County Sheriff’s Department “informed the family that Trey was found dead in his dorm room, in his bed,” according to the Mississippi Free Press.

Reed’s grandfather, J.B. Reed, told ABC affiliate WAPT that a member of the Bolivar County Sheriff’s Department said “suicide” when speaking about Trey’s death. He added that the officer “didn’t even say possible suicide, he said suicide.”

At a press conference on Wednesday, Sept. 17, Delta State’s Director of Public Safety Mike Peeler said he did not know about any calls Trey’s grandfather received.

Lawyers have asked the university to share any surveillance footage that could show what happened on the day of Reed’s death.

“The family does not know exactly what happened on Sept. 15, 2025,” Jones told WAPT. “We are seeking answers.”

Jones added, per the Mississippi Free Press, “If this young man was on the campus of Delta State University with all these cameras and all this modern technology, from the moment he left his dorm room or entered the campus, there should be surveillance of all his actions. That’s what we want.”

During the press conference, Peeler confirmed that “there are videos and they’re in the hands of the investigative team,” but he did not give more details.

The Bolivar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), Grenada Police Department, and university officials did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment. The Grenada County Sheriff’s Office website was down when PEOPLE tried to reach them.

Reed’s family has also hired civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump. In a statement to PEOPLE, Crump said the 21-year-old student was “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,” Crump said. “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,” he added, calling for a “thorough and transparent investigation” into Reed’s death.

Several social media posts have claimed that Reed had two broken legs and other injuries that would have made it impossible for him to hang himself, the Clarion Ledger reported.

Peeler said there is no evidence of foul play and that there is no ongoing threat to campus safety.

The Bolivar County Coroner’s Office (BCCO) said Reed “did not suffer any lacerations, contusions, compound fractures, broken bones, or injuries consistent with an assault,” according to the Ledger.

“At this time, there is no evidence to suggest the individual was physically attacked before his death,” the BCCO said.

During the press conference, Peeler said officials still do not believe foul play was involved, but the investigation is ongoing.

Delta State University President Daniel Ennis said Reed’s death “has stirred many emotions in this community and many emotions around the state and the nation.”

“While the preliminary report of the Bolivar County Coroner’s Office indicates no evidence of foul play, we recognize that this is not only about facts,” Ennis continued. “It’s about emotions, and it’s about feelings.”

Reed’s body has been sent to the state’s medical examiner for an autopsy. Preliminary results are expected in the next few days.