By Trey Reed

Copyright indiatimes

First Trey Reed, now Cory Zukatis: Are the two Mississippi hanging deaths connected? Here’s what police say

The two men found hanging from trees in Mississippi—Trey Reed, a 21-year-old Black student at Delta State University, and Cory Zukatis, a 36-year-old homeless white man found hanging in a wooded area near Vicksburg—have no known connection according to police and officials. Both deaths are under active investigation, but preliminary autopsy reports indicate no signs of assault or foul play. Authorities have emphasized that the cases appear unrelated despite the eerie similarity of the circumstances, and that there is no evidence currently to suggest either death was a homicide. Police continue to investigate and have asked for public cooperation, with no further details released pending the ongoing inquiries. The cases have sparked national attention and calls for a thorough and independent investigation due to the sensitive nature and historical context surrounding such deaths in Mississippi.Police StatementsVicksburg Police Chief Larry Burns stated the case of Cory Zukatis is being handled as a death investigation with active efforts to determine the circumstances but did not suggest foul play at this time.Live EventsDelta State University Police Chief Michael Peeler affirmed there was no immediate indication of foul play in Trey Reed’s death and confirmed cooperation with state and local authorities.Coroners in both cases confirmed no evidence of physical assault such as broken bones or other injuries consistent with an attack.What did autopsy reports conclude for Trey Reed and Cory ZukatisThe autopsy reports for Trey Reed and Cory Zukatis have not yet fully concluded, but preliminary findings have been made public.For Trey Reed, the 21-year-old Black student found hanging on the Delta State University campus, the Bolivar County Coroner’s Office confirmed there were no lacerations, contusions, compound fractures, broken bones, or injuries consistent with an assault. At this stage, there is no evidence to suggest physical attack or foul play before his death. The investigation is ongoing, and his remains have been sent to the Mississippi State Crime Lab for a full autopsy.Regarding Cory Zukatis, the 36-year-old homeless white man found hanging in a wooded area in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the Warren County Coroner Doug Huskey stated that the official cause of death is still under investigation and will be determined only after the autopsy results are released. There are no immediate signs pointing to foul play, but the investigation remains open and continues with a thorough examination.Which agencies are leading the investigations into each deathThe investigations into the deaths of Trey Reed and Cory Zukatis are being led by local law enforcement agencies in coordination with coroner’s offices.For Trey Reed, the Delta State University Police Department is leading the investigation in cooperation with the Bolivar County Coroner’s Office and the Mississippi State Crime Lab, which is conducting the formal autopsy and forensic analyses.In the case of Cory Zukatis, the Vicksburg Police Department is primarily handling the investigation with assistance from the Warren County Coroner’s Office. The Warren County Coroner, Doug Huskey, has been actively involved in overseeing the forensic examination and cause of death determination.Both investigations feature collaboration between local police departments and their respective county coroner offices, which conduct death investigations to determine cause and manner of death. Should any signs point toward criminal activity, these agencies would likely coordinate with state or federal investigative bodies as needed.Thus, the lead agencies are:Trey Reed: Delta State University Police, Bolivar County Coroner’s OfficeCory Zukatis: Vicksburg Police Department, Warren County Coroner’s OfficeCoroners and local police typically spearhead death investigations especially when no immediate foul play is suspected, pending autopsy and forensic outcomes.Have officials addressed social media claims and misinformationOfficials have indeed addressed social media claims and misinformation regarding the deaths of Trey Reed and Cory Zukatis. They have emphasized that the cases are under active investigation with no immediate evidence of foul play or links between the two men, countering various rumors and conspiracy theories circulating online.Police chiefs and coroners have repeatedly stated to the public and media that the deaths are being thoroughly investigated with transparency, urging people to avoid spreading unverified information. They have highlighted that preliminary autopsy reports show no signs of assault or homicide and have called for calm while the official investigations proceed.Moreover, authorities have actively refuted misinformation by clarifying facts and timelines to prevent speculation from fueling public unrest or mistrust. They have appealed for patience and cooperation with investigations, warning against sharing uncorroborated social media posts that may mislead or cause harm.Trey Reed, a 21-year-old Black student at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, was found hanging from a tree near the campus pickleball courts early on September 15, 2025. His death immediately sparked nationwide outrage due to the historical racial lynching associations attached to such discoveries in Mississippi. Delta State University police and Bolivar County Coroner’s Office reported no evidence of foul play, deeming the initial findings consistent with suicide, though the full autopsy report is still pending. The university canceled classes and centennial events in response to his death. His family has expressed doubts about the official explanation and demanded an independent autopsy and full transparency about surveillance footage and the investigation. They allege communication failures and racial harassment fears that Trey experienced while on campus. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has also joined the probe, and the case remains active.Separately, Cory Zukatis, a 36-year-old homeless white man from Brandon, Mississippi, was found hanging from a tree in a wooded area near Vicksburg on the same day. Vicksburg Police Department and Warren County Coroner are investigating his death, with no immediate signs of foul play. Preliminary reports also show no connection between his death and Trey Reed’s, nor any signs of assault. The investigations of both cases are independent but intensified due to the unusual timing and circumstances. Officials have been vigilant about dispelling rumors linking the two incidents or claiming lynching without clear evidence.While officials stress no links between cases and no evidence of homicide, social media speculation and historical associations with lynchings in Mississippi have intensified public emotions and demands for transparency and justice.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
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