The sudden death of Javion Magee is causing questions and outrage across the country. On (September 11), authorities found the body of a 21-year-old truck driver in Henderson, North Carolina. Magee’s body was reportedly propped up against a tree with a rope wrapped around his neck.
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Black man’s death near tree sparks outrage
ABC11 reported that investigators found him leaning against a tree with a rope wrapped around his neck, near his truck, at about 10:08 a.m. on September 11. The outlet also reported that Javion Magee had stopped in Henderson to make a delivery to a Walmart distribution center.
Magee’s family in Chicago is devastated and demanding answers about his death. According to ABC 11, many family members are traveling to North Carolina to urge investigators to reveal more details about what happened.
Fox 32 Chicago revealed that the Vance County Sheriff’s Office initially told Javion’s family that he had died by suicide. When suspicions arose, Sheriff Curtis Brame announced on Friday (September 13) that the investigation had been expanded and now includes the FBI.
Magee family spokesperson speaks about Javion’s passing
Candice Matthews, a family spokesperson, spoke on behalf of Magee’s mother, expressing her concerns that something was wrong, according to Fox 32 Chicago. She stressed that Javion’s family deserved answers and said she believes something happened during his truck trip.
“I just feel something in my bones. It’s not right. And we’re going to get to the bottom of it,” Matthews said.
Matthews stressed that Javion’s family deserves answers and said she believes something happened during his truck journey.
Each WRALMatthews explained that Magee’s family suspected something was fishy and did not believe he had committed suicide.
“In my opinion, this is a hate crime, because there was no indication that this young man was suicidal. He had no history of mental illness,” Matthews said.
However, Sheriff Curtis R. Brame stated that investigators found no signs of foul play in Javion’s death. He added that Javion had visited the Walmart distribution center before his death and may have purchased the rope found around his neck there. Additionally, in a statement to ABC11, the sheriff clarified that the death was not classified as a lynching.
“It was reported that there was a lynching in Vance County. There was no lynching in Vance County. The young man was not suspended from a tree. He was not swung from a tree. The shoulder was wrapped around his neck. It was not a noose. There was no knot in the rope, therefore, there was no lynching in Vance County.”
More details on Javion Magee’s sudden death and what comes next
CBS17 Noting that in a press release, a family spokesperson said authorities had denied them the opportunity to view Javion’s body.
Additionally, the medical examiner now has Magee’s body available for autopsy. Sheriff Brame has promised to share the results with the family before releasing the report.
Javion’s family has turned to national civil rights attorneys Harry Daniels and Lee Merritt, along with North Carolina attorney Jason Keith, to demand answers. According to Fox 32 Chicago, Javion’s family members insist he has no history of mental health issues or criminal records and is excited about his future, having recently obtained a commercial driver’s license.
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