The family of the 21-year-old Delta State University student who was found dead on campus Monday morning wants answers.
Vanessa J. Jones, the Hattiesburg attorney representing the family of Grenada’s Demartravion “Trey” Reed, held a press conference just after 4 p.m. today, Sept. 16, at Living Faith Miracle Temple C.O.G.I.C voicing their concerns.
“We are here today because we want answers in regards to what happened to Trey Reed on Sept. 15, 2025, at Delta State University,” Jones said as she opened the press conference. “Right now, there are a lot of narratives that are out there, but what we want at this point is an independent investigation into the death of Trey Reed. What we’re looking for is an independent autopsy to verify what happened to Trey Reed on Sept. 15, 2025.”
Jones continued by stating that the recently enrolled DSU student’s family does not know the details leading up to when authorities found Reed’s body.
“We are seeking answers from Delta State University, we’re seeking answers from the coroner’s office; we need answers,” she continued. “At this point, the family of Trey Reed has not even received a phone call from the president of Delta State University to tell them exactly what happened to their child that they entrusted to Delta State University.”
Throughout the duration of the nearly 30-minute press conference Jones focused on technology being the key to providing Reed’s family with answers.
“Technology, technology, technology, cameras, surveillance at this university will answer the questions – I believe – that this family has, along with the autopsy of Trey’s body,” she said. “I think that once we get that technology and a final opinion from the top medical examiner in the State of Mississippi, we’ll be able to move along.”
During a press conference Monday afternoon at DSU, University Police Chief Michael Peeler said that Reed’s body was found after University Police were notified just after 7 a.m. of what appeared to be the body of a black male hanging from a tree near the DSU pickleball courts in the central part of campus.
“At this time there is no evidence of foul play,” Peeler declared at the time.
Demartravion “Trey” Reed
Jones stated Tuesday that Reed’s family has been told and heard multiple stories. The first was that he was found in his dorm room deceased. Then, the same story with the addition that authorities believed it was suicide. Lastly, they were told that their loved one was found hanging from a tree from apparent suicide.
The body was recovered by the Bolivar County coroner’s office. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, the Bolivar County Sheriff’s Office and the Cleveland Police Department assisted in the ongoing investigation.
However, the report from the state medical examiner may shed light on the unanswered questions.
Sophia Reed, Trey’s mother, said during the Grenada press conference that she was able to view her son’s body.
“From the neck up,” Jones said.
After Reed’s body was found, Delta State canceled classes and events scheduled.
“Our community is deeply saddened by this loss and we extend our heartfelt condolences to families and friends and all those impacted by Trey’s loss,” DSU President Daniel J. Ennis said.
Ennis added that “there is no evidence of a threat to campus and there is no evidence that the campus is unsafe,” adding that operations will resume as quickly as possible.
“This is a safe campus,” Peeler said. “Delta State is a beautiful place to be. It’s just unfortunate, this loss that comes heavily to our campus.”
As for Reed’s family, communication is the crucial.
“We just want answer, we want answers; something’s just not right,” Reed’s grandfather, J.B., said as he fought back tears during Monday’s press conference.
Click link for additional coverage: https://www.grenadastar.com/grenada-man-dsu-student-found-dead-campus
