The FBI has launched an investigation into the death of Dennoriss Richardson, a Black man found hanging in an abandoned house in rural Alabama. Despite the Colbert County Sheriff's Office ruling it a suicide, Richardson's wife, Leigh, contests this, citing her husband's recent lawsuit against the local police and his lack of connection to the house where he was found.
Leigh asserts, "He didn't kill himself," pointing to the absence of a suicide note and her husband's alleged fears of police retaliation following his claims of abuse while in jail, including allegations of being "shocked with a Taser" and "sprayed with tear gas."
Concerns surrounding Richardson's death reflect longstanding distrust in local police, with community members suspecting misconduct and systemic issues. The region's troubling history with racial violence intensifies local skepticism, as described by Tori Bailey, the NAACP's Colbert County chapter president, who noted, "There has long been a kind of disconnect between communities of color and law enforcement." Bailey has tracked multiple cases of alleged excessive force by local officers.
Marvin Long, a friend of Richardson's family, shares this wariness, explaining his own traumatic encounters with the police. In a separate lawsuit, Long accuses officers of excessive force, including being dragged and attacked by a K9. Both Richardson and Long are represented by attorney Roderick Van Daniel, who highlights the community's fears, saying, "Citizens are living in fear of retaliation."
Sheriff Eric Balentine, acknowledging public doubt, requested the FBI's involvement, expressing confidence in the department's findings but welcoming external review to provide "peace of mind." Balentine remarked, "Transparency is always a good way to mend some fences with the community."
Richardson's wife recalled his deep-seated fear of law enforcement, revealing that he often felt "targeted" and expressed concerns about profiling. Sheffield Mayor Steve Stanley claimed to support accountability for any proven misconduct, yet voiced confidence in his officers.
As friends and family gathered at Richardson's memorial, Van Daniel called for clarity and accountability, underscoring a community's ongoing plea for justice: "We deserve answers."
Link: CNN