Mississippi is shaken after two chilling and eerily similar incidents unfolded on Monday, leaving families, friends, and communities devastated and searching for answers. Within hours of each other, two men — one a college student, the other a homeless individual — were found hanging from trees in separate locations across the state, according to local media reports.

The grim discoveries, reported in Cleveland and Vicksburg, have sparked outrage, deepened fears, and reignited painful memories of racial violence that continue to haunt the South. Calls for transparency and justice are growing louder as the public grapples with the shock.

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Trey Reed found hanging from tree

The body of a 21-year-old Delta State University student, Demartravion "Trey" Reed, was discovered "hanging from a tree" on campus Monday morning, prompting an investigation, the university said. Reports suggest that Reed was found dead on campus at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, on Monday.

Delta State University Chief of Police Michael Peeler said at a press conference that there was no evidence of foul play at this time. In a press conference, DSU Police Chief Peeler said: "At approximately 7:05 am, the University Police was notified of what appeared to be the body of a Black male hanging from a tree, central campus near the DSU pickleball course."

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Peeler said that the individual was later identified as Reed and that an investigation into his death was ongoing. The DSU police chief stated that he had requested the assistance of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, the Bolivar County Sheriff's Office, and the Cleveland Police Department to aid in the investigation.

Officials disputed social media rumors that Reed was discovered with broken arms or legs. Bolivar County Deputy Coroner Murray Roark told the Mississippi Free Press that he "saw no broken limbs." One of the viral messages read: “Tell me, Trey Reed was found beaten with three broken limbs. What the fuck kind of suicide is that?”

Roark told the outlet that in his opinion, Reed's death was "self-done, and I have reasons for that." He declined to elaborate, citing the open investigation.

Delta State University President Dr. Dan Ennis said at the press conference that there was no evidence of a threat to campus safety following the student's death. However, the campus was closed on Monday, and several events planned to mark Delta State University's centennial were canceled.

"Delta State University is a beautiful place to be," Peeler said. "It's unfortunate, this loss that comes heavy to our campus."

ALSO READ: Trey Reed's death: Lockdown imposed at Delta State University after student found hanging? What we know

Tyer Reed's family seeks justice

Trey Reed's family said in a statement to Jackson news station 16 WAPT: "Trey was our little quiet light. He was sweet, well mannered, and would give you the world if he could. We ask that you continue to keep our family in your prayers as we continue to navigate through these unforeseen times."

Delta State University President Dr. Dan Ennis said in a statement: "Our community is deeply saddened by this loss. I have spoken to Trey's family and expressed our heartbreak."

Another incident in Mississippi

Hours earlier, at 1:30 p.m., police in Vicksburg received an alarming telephone call that the body of a male was discovered hanging from a tree in a densely forested area off the Ameristar Casino, as per Yahoo. The coroner identified the deceased as Brandon white, male, Corey Zukatis, 36.

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His death was confirmed by Warren County Coroner Doug L. Huskey, who said Zukatis had been discovered about 10:30 a.m. but released no further information. Very little is known about Zukatis’s final days or the circumstances of his passing. Authorities have not released any evidence suggesting foul play, but the eerie similarity to Reed’s death—both men found hanging from trees in Mississippi within hours of each other—has ignited nationwide outrage.

Both the incidents have send shockwaves across Mississippi with some people suggesting they are not suicides but "murders". One user commented: “Two young people lynched in Mississippi. Two children. They had aspirations and a family. Police are already trying to convince us this is a suicide.”

Another echoed the frustration: “Where is the fury over this? Where are the moments of silence? Where are the Instagram stories, thinkpieces, and flags at half-mast? These boys were lynched in 2025.”

Some advocated for uniting and acting: “think it’s time to organize, it’s been that time. Gotta come together as humans. This shit ain’t right! TO their families, healing.”

ALSO READ: Delta State University student was beaten, arms and legs broken? Demartravion 'Trey' Reed's cousin alleges brutal attack