The sudden death of Javion Magee is raising questions and causing outrage across the country. On (Sept. 11), authorities found the 21-year-old truck driver’s body in Henderson, North Carolina. Magee’s body was reportedly leaning against a tree with a rope around his neck.
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Black Man’s Death Near Tree Sparks Outrage
ABC 11 reported that investigators found him leaning against a tree with a rope around his neck, close to his truck, around 10:08 a.m. on Sept. 11. The outlet also stated that Javion Magee stopped in Henderson to deliver to a Walmart distribution center.
Magee’s family from Chicago feels devastated and is demanding answers about his death. According to ABC 11, many family members are traveling to North Carolina to urge investigators to disclose more details about what happened.
Fox 32 Chicago revealed that the Vance County Sheriff’s Office initially informed Javion’s family he had died by suicide. As doubts arose, Sheriff Curtis Brame announced on Friday, (Sept. 13), that the investigation had expanded and now involves the FBI.
Spokesperson For The Magee Family Speaks About Javion’s Passing
Candice Matthews, the family spokesperson, spoke for Magee’s mother, expressing her concerns that something didn’t seem right, per Fox 32 Chicago. She emphasized that Javion’s family deserves answers and mentioned that she believes something happened during his truck route.
“I just feel something in my bones. It’s not right. And we’re going to get to the bottom of it,” Matthews stated.
Matthews emphasized that Javion’s family deserves answers and mentioned that she believes something happened during his truck route.
Per WRAL, Matthews explained tat Magee’s family suspects foul play and does not believe he took his own life.
“In my opinion, it’s a hate crime, because this young man had no indication of suicidal ideation. He doesn’t have a history of mental illness at all,” Matthews said.
However, Sheriff Curtis R. Brame stated that investigators found no signs of foul play in Javion’s death. He added that Javion visited the Walmart distribution center before he died and likely purchased the rope found around his neck there. Additionally, in a statement to ABC11, the sheriff clarified that the death is not classified as a lynching.
“There’s been information put out there that there’s a lynching in Vance County. There is not a lynching in Vance County. The young man was not dangling from a tree. He was not swinging from a tree. The role was wrapped around his neck. It was not a noose. There was not a knot in the rope, so therefore, it was not a lynching here in Vance County.”
More Details About Javion Magee’s Sudden Death & What’s Next
CBS17 notes that in a press release, a family spokesperson said authorities had denied them the opportunity to view Javion’s body.
Furthermore, the medical examiner now has Magee’s body for an autopsy. Sheriff Brame has promised to share the results with the family before making the report public.
Javion’s family has enlisted 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 had no history of mental health issues or criminal background and was excited about his future, having recently obtained his commercial driver’s license.
