#Roommates, last week we told you about the heartbreaking story of 24-year-old #DanyeJones of #Ferguson, Missouri, who was found deceased hanging from a tree in his mother’s backyard.
His mother, Ferguson activist #MelissaMcKinnies, believes that her son was lynched despite authorities saying they believe his death was a suicide.
McKinnies is now reportedly trying to get an independent investigation and autopsy conducted. In a video uploaded to Instagram, McKinnies said “Right now, I’m trying to have my own private investigation done,” and made a plea to the public to help fund the investigation and the attorney’s fees associated with it.
Jones was discovered by McKinnies on the morning of October 17th. She shared the images of her son in a now-deleted Facebook post that went viral.
“This is what I woke up to! They lynched my baby,” she wrote. “My first time seeing these photos. If you have a weak stomach don’t look but this mother wants justice after I get up. I’m sick and losing my mind but I had to let the world see what they did to my baby.”
According to the St. Louis County Police Department, his death is being investigated as a suicide. Police say their department received a call for a report of a suicide that morning.
“Based on evidence at scene, it’s still being classified as a suicide but it’s still under investigation,” said Sgt. Shawn McGuire.
It’s unclear if the autopsy is still pending.
Despite what authorities are saying, McKinnies maintains that she believes her son would have not commited suicide.
“If anything happens to me I DID NOT KILL MYSELF. My SON didn’t hang himself in his own mother’s backyard for me to find,” she added in another post. “He may have been a little sad every once in a while but he would have NEVER went out like that. He loved his family and was looking forward to his new businesses.”
McKinnies says she will continue to fight for her son. “4:51 a.m. and sick with grief but ready to get up and fight for my baby,” she posted.
We’ll keep you updated on this story, #Roommates.
TSR STAFF: Christina C! @cdelafresh
