Police told the family about Trey Reed that he died in his dormitory, says lawyer

Lawyers for the family of Demartravion “Trey” Reed claim that the police originally told the victim’s family that he died in his dormitory.

Reed, a student at Delta State University in Cleveland, Miss, was Found dead hanging from a tree Near the university’s pickleball courts in the morning Monday 15 September.

Vanessa J. Jones, a lawyer representing Reed’s family, said that Grenada County Sheriff’s Department “informed the family that Trey was found dead in his dormitory, in his bed,” according to Mississippi Free Press.

Talk to ABC Affiliate WaptReed’s grandfather JB Reed said that the comment was made by a member of Bolivar County Sheriff’s Department and that “he didn’t even say possible suicide, he said suicide.”

When asked about the deviation of where Reed’s body was found at a press conference on Wednesday, September 17, Delta State’s head of public security Mike Peel said that he had no knowledge of any calls Reed’s grandfather received.

Jonas has urged the university’s officials to release all surveillance films they have that can shed light on Reed’s death.

“The family does not know exactly what happened on September 15, 2025,” Jones said according to Wapt. “We are looking for answers.”

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

During Wednesday’s press conference, Peeler confirmed that “there are videos and they are in the hands of the investigation team.”

Peels did not share additional details about the videos.

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

Reed’s family has also retained civil rights and personal injury lawyer Ben Crump.

In a statement obtained by people, Crump said that the 21-year-old student was “full of promise and warmth, deeply loved and respected by everyone who knew him.”

“His family and the campus community deserve a complete, independent investigation to reveal the truth about what happened,” said Crump. “We cannot accept vague conclusions when so many questions remain.”

“I stand with this family, and I will lead a team of civil rights and organizations to conduct openness and response to Trey’s family,” he added and demanded a “thorough and transparent investigation” to Reed’s death.

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

But Peeler stated that there is no evidence of Foul Play in connection with Reed’s death, according to one statement from the university’s officials. He also claimed that there is no ongoing threat to Campus security.

Based on their preliminary survey, Bolivar County Coroner’s Office (BCCO) said that reed “did not suffer any laces, contusions, composite fractures, broken bones or injuries compatible with an attack,” according to The Ledger.

“At present, there is no evidence to indicate that the individual was physically attacked before his death,” Bcco said.

Never miss a story – register for People’s free daily newsletters Keeping up to date on the best of what people have to offer, from celebrity news to compelling stories of human interest.

During Wednesday’s press conference, Peeler claimed that officials do not think there was any foul game involved but that an investigation remains active.

During the press conference, the Delta State University President Daniel Ennis recognized that Trey’s death “has aroused many emotions in this society and many emotions around the state and the nation.”

“While the preliminary report from Bolivar County Coroner’s Office indicates no evidence of Foul Play, we realize that this is not just about facts,” Ennis continued. “It’s about emotions and it’s about emotions.”

Reed’s body has been transported to the state’s medical examination office for an autopsy. Preliminary results are expected within the next few days.

If you or someone you know struggles with mental health challenges, emotional disorders, problems with subjects or just need to talk, call or sms 988 or chat on 988lifeline.org 24/7.