The deaths of Tasia Fortune, Demartravion “Trey” Reed, and Nolan Wells have stirred memories of racial violence in Mississippi’s history. The discovery of Trey Reed’s body in September 2025 heightened fears within Black communities about the adequacy of investigations into suspicious deaths.
Reed, whose body was found hanging from a tree near school pickleball courts, symbolizes the persistent anxiety many feel. These events underscore worries that the circumstances of such deaths may not be fully investigated or explained, fueling distrust in the process.
Tasia Fortune, a Black woman, was found hanging behind an abandoned home in Mississippi. This incident has reignited apprehension in many neighborhoods about the thoroughness of investigations involving similar cases. These deaths have not only shocked the communities but also brought into question the manner and depth of investigations conducted.