His family demands answers
By Amari Apple
(Source: Rolling Out)
The tragic death of Javion Magee, a Black man from Chicago, has sparked outrage and concern within the community and beyond. Found on Sept. 11 at the base of a tree in Henderson, NC, with a rope around his neck, the circumstances surrounding his death have raised serious questions about transparency and justice.
Details of the Incident
According to reports from ABC 11, Magee was in Henderson to make a delivery to a local Walmart when he was found dead. His family, who resides in Chicago, is demanding answers from the Vance County Sheriff’s Office regarding the nature of his death. Sheriff Curtis R. Brame stated that the investigation is ongoing but emphasized that they do not believe foul play was involved.
Brame further claimed that Magee had purchased the rope at the Walmart prior to his death, but he did not provide additional details when pressed by reporters. He strongly refuted claims circulating on social media that Magee’s death was a lynching, stating that the rope was not tied in a noose and that there was no evidence of swinging from the tree.
Family’s Response
The Magee family, represented by spokesperson Candice Matthews, expressed skepticism towards the sheriff’s explanation. Matthews stated, “A lot of this stuff does not pass the smell test and that’s a problem. The entire family is completely mortified and they are hurt. They have a lot of questions and they just want to know what happened to their loved one.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern within the community about the handling of the case.
Community Concerns and Historical Context
Khalil Gay, a local resident, highlighted the historical context of racial violence in the South, stating, “We do live in the South, and there’s a deep history of racism and racist acts. And so people are obviously concerned about that.” This perspective underscores the community’s apprehension regarding the circumstances of Magee’s death and the potential for racial bias in the investigation.
Autopsy Findings
Preliminary autopsy results have not provided a clear cause of death. While there were no signs of defensive wounds, there was evidence of hemorrhaging around Magee’s neck, which could indicate strangulation. Sheriff Brame mentioned that a toxicology report is forthcoming.
Social Media Influence
The case gained significant attention on social media, particularly through TikTok, where a woman claiming to be Magee’s cousin posted videos expressing the family’s distrust in law enforcement. She alleged that authorities had not allowed Magee’s mother to view her son’s body or receive a photo of him, further fueling public outrage.
Legal Representation and Calls for Action
In response to the lack of transparency, the Magee family has enlisted the help of national civil rights attorneys, including Harry Daniels and Lee Merritt. Merritt voiced concerns about the police’s credibility, stating, “How can the police expect us to take their word for it when they won’t even let this family view the body?”
Additionally, NAACP North Carolina President Deborah Dicks Maxwell has called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Javion Magee’s death. She stated, “We demand a comprehensive and transparent investigation to uncover the truth behind this tragedy. As a community, we cannot rest until we have clear answers.”
The death of Javion Magee has ignited a firestorm of questions regarding race, justice, and transparency in law enforcement. As the investigation continues, the Magee family and the community at large are left seeking answers and demanding accountability. The legacy of racial violence in America cannot be ignored, and it is imperative that this case is handled with the seriousness it deserves.
