A 21-year-old Black student at Delta State University in Cleveland was found dead on Monday, Sept. 15, on the college campus, prompting the police into action. However, the victim’s family suspects mishandling of the case.
Identified as Demartravion “Trey” Reed, of Grenada, Mississippi, the Delta State’s Director of Public Safety Mike Peeler announced that the victim’s body was found hanging from a tree near the central campus pickleball courts just after 7 a.m. local time. Three days later, the Cleveland Police Department released a statement, determining the cause of death to be “hanging” and the manner of death as “suicidReed’s family has alleged that they received a different statement from the Grenada County Sheriff’s Department about the location of Trey’s dead body. “The Grenada County Sheriff’s Department arrived at Trey’s family’s home…at approximately 9:15, and informed the family that Trey was found dead in his dorm room, in his bed,” lawyer Vanessa Jones told Mississippi Free Press on Sept. 16.
Police remain under scrutiny for mismatched statements
Reed’s grandfather, J.B. Reed, revealed that the mismatching statement was made by a member of the Bolivar County Sheriff’s Department and that “he didn’t even say possible suicide, he said suicide.” Questions about the circumstances grew after social media posts circulated, alleging that Reed had two broken legs and other injuries that would have made it impossible for him to hang himself. (via Clarion Ledger)
However, Delta State’s Director of Public Safety, Mike Peeler, dismissed any suggestion of foul play, citing a statement from the Bolivar County Coroner’s Office (BCCO) that Reed “did not suffer any lacerations, contusions, compound fractures, broken bones, or injuries consistent with an assault.” When asked about the conflicting reports regarding the location of Reed’s body at a Sept. 17 press conference, Peeler said he was unaware of any calls Reed’s grandfather received.
Reed’s family demands answers and an independent autopsy
Unsatisfied with the official police findings, the family has challenged the autopsy results and demands an independent autopsy. “The family does not know exactly what happened on September the 15th of 2025. We are seeking answers from Delta State University. We’re seeking answers from the coroner’s office,” lawyer Jones told the press.
The tragedy occurred during the university’s scheduled centennial celebrations, forcing the events to be canceled. Counseling and support services have been made available to students and faculty at DSU following the incident, and the university has extended condolences to Reed’s family.
