The family of Javion Magee, a man found dead in a rural area of Henderson, North Carolina, is demanding answers after authorities ruled his death a suicide. Magee, who had traveled to the area to make a delivery to a Walmart distribution center, was discovered on September 11, near his truck, with a rope around his neck. He was found leaning against a tree, raising concerns among family and the public about the possibility of foul play.
The tragic incident gained widespread attention through a social media post made by Magee’s cousin, known as @scottieprimpin on TikTok. In a viral video, @scottieprimpin shared details about Magee’s death, urging viewers to spread awareness and raising suspicions about racial bias influencing the investigation. The online community quickly reacted, with many speculating that Magee may have been the victim of a lynching.
Vance County Sheriff Curtis R. Brame, who is overseeing the investigation, has firmly rejected these claims. According to Brame, there is no evidence to support the theory that Magee’s death was the result of foul play. “There’s been information put out there that there’s a lynching in Vance County. There is not a lynching in Vance County,” Brame stated, clarifying that Magee was found leaning against a tree, not hanging from it.
Brame further explained that the rope was wrapped around Magee’s neck but was not tied in a noose. “The rope was wrapped around his neck. It was not a noose. There was not a knot in the rope, so therefore, it was not a lynching,” he emphasized. The sheriff has categorized the death as a suicide, though preliminary autopsy reports have yet to provide a conclusive cause.
The autopsy did reveal hemorrhaging around Magee’s neck, but toxicology results, which are still pending, may offer further insight. Sheriff Brame assured the public that the investigation remains ongoing and thorough. “We’re going down every avenue, every aspect of all the information,” he said, noting that investigators are reviewing GPS data from Magee’s vehicle to piece together his final moments.
Despite the sheriff’s statements, Magee’s family is unconvinced by the suicide ruling. They are seeking more transparency from authorities and have retained the services of two prominent civil rights attorneys—Harry Daniels from Atlanta and Lee Merritt from Philadelphia. Daniels, speaking to The News & Observer, expressed frustration over the lack of concrete evidence supporting the suicide conclusion. He also questioned why the family has been denied the opportunity to view Magee’s body, raising concerns about the investigation’s transparency. “How can the police expect us to believe them when they won’t even let this family view the body?” Daniels asked.
The family’s legal team has also criticized authorities for declaring Magee’s death a suicide before completing a full investigation. Daniels called the sheriff’s statement “premature,” especially considering the historical racial tensions in the South. Joining the legal efforts is Jason Keith, an attorney based in Greensboro, North Carolina.
In addition to legal representation, the North Carolina chapter of the NAACP has voiced its concern over Magee’s death. Deborah Dicks Maxwell, president of the NAACP North Carolina, issued a statement calling for a thorough and transparent investigation. “As a community, we cannot rest until we have clear answers,” Maxwell stated, signaling that the case has drawn the attention of civil rights advocates who are determined to see justice served.
Magee’s death continues to stir emotions in the community, as many await further developments in the investigation. The case has not only raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his death but also about the broader issues of racial bias and justice in America.
