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Two autopsies of Black man discovered hanging in Alabama yield contrasting findings.

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Two autopsies of Black man discovered hanging in Alabama yield contrasting findings.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — An autopsy conducted by the state has determined that a Black man discovered hanging in an abandoned home in Alabama late last month died by suicide. This official ruling stands in contrast to a private autopsy funded by his family, which did not find definitive evidence supporting the suicide conclusion.

The body of Dennoriss Richardson was found in rural Colbert County, approximately 30 miles from his Sheffield residence. Sheffield is a small town along the Tennessee River, home to about 10,000 residents. In a report relayed by Colbert County Sheriff Eric Balentine, the findings from the state autopsy categorically labeled the 39-year-old’s death a suicide.

Even with the state’s conclusion, skepticism persists within the community, which grapples with a prolonged history of racial inequities and a pervasive distrust of law enforcement authorities. Addressing these concerns, Sheriff Balentine has urged federal authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding Richardson’s passing. Notably, Richardson was among several Black men who had previously initiated a federal civil rights lawsuit against local law enforcement, alleging systemic abuses.

Sheriff Balentine asserted that recent reports have reaffirmed earlier autopsy results. He explained that preliminary findings are generally received quickly following such investigations, typically within a week; however, acquiring the complete official report has taken several months.

The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences has not yet made the autopsy report available to the public, although it is categorized as public information when no ongoing investigation is underway. Leigh Richardson, Dennoriss’s widow, has expressed that she has not had access to the official autopsy document and remains unconvinced that her husband took his own life.

In a statement, she remarked on the sheriff’s office being quick to assert suicide within five days post-investigation, commenting on the emotional toll this struggle for the truth has had on them. “NaNa did not kill himself,” she reiterated.

The private autopsy that was shared with Richardson’s attorney suggested a careful inquiry be conducted in order to dismiss the possibility of a staged suicide. Conducted by forensic pathologist Dr. Adel Shaker, this autopsy corroborated the state’s diagnosis that Richardson succumbed to “Asphyxia Secondary to Neck Compression,” a condition indicative of hanging.

However, Dr. Shaker noted the absence of the hyoid neck bone in his examination, which often fractures during hanging or strangulation deaths. This missing bone made it impossible to ascertain definitively whether Richardson had been murdered or if he had indeed taken his own life.

According to seasoned forensic pathologist Dr. Thomas Andrew, one cannot conclusively determine the manner of death based solely on the presence or absence of the hyoid bone. He explained that while it can break in roughly 25% of hanging cases and in nearly 50% of strangulations, a thorough investigation involves considering a broad array of circumstantial and evidentiary factors.

Richardson did not show any bodily injuries outside of those on his neck, and his toxicology results were reported as normal. Dr. Shaker highlighted these observations as crucial. He further clarified that a proper determination regarding how Richardson died would necessitate photographs from the death scene as well as the rope involved, which were not supplied for his examination.

Roderick Van Daniel, the attorney representing Richardson in his civil rights case against the Sheffield Police Department, confirmed that he too lacked photo documentation of the scene. He voiced concerns over the entire investigation, labeling it as “suspicious,” and expressed frustration regarding the evasive responses given to the family and local community.

In response to growing unrest, about a hundred individuals participated in a march through Sheffield to nearby Tuscumbia, advocating for transparency from local authorities. Organizers articulated a collective urgency to address ongoing injustices and advocate for a safer future.

Sheriff Balentine has called for a federal investigation into Richardson’s death in light of the community’s reactions. This investigation is currently underway, though an FBI spokesperson has declined to comment on the matter while it remains open.