The Stream

Police say hanging death of black US teen was ‘suicide’

Family and friends of #LennonLacy initiate their own investigation.

Doubts surrounding the death of black US teenager Lennon Lacy have prompted his family to announce an unofficial investigation. On August 29, Lacy was found hanging by his neck on a swing set in his hometown of Bladenboro in North Carolina state. Following an autopsy report, the police ruled Lacy’s death a suicide

Many in Lacy’s community questioned the official cause of death, including his family who said the autopsy report wrongfully ruled out foul play. The questions have stirred racial tensions in Bladenboro, a town with a predominantly white population.

Using #LennonLacy, many shared their doubts about the police investigation.