Roommates, we are heartbroken to share the story of a 24-year-old man from Ferguson, Missouri who was found deceased hanging from a tree. Danye Jones’ body was discovered by his mother, Ferguson activist Melissa McKinnies, in her backyard on October 17th and she believes he was lynched.
McKinnies shared the images of her son in a now-deleted Facebook post. “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.
He added that the autopsy is still pending.
“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,” the mother 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.
Roommates, we will be sure to keep you updated as more details on this story are released. We send our thoughts and prayers to Danye Jones’ family and friends during this difficult time.
TSR STAFF: Myeisha E.! @myeisha.essex and Christina C! @cdelafresh
