Posts on social media claim video evidence shows Delta State University student Demartravion “Trey” Reed being attacked and his autopsy confirms signs of physical injury. The Roy Howard Community Journalism Center’s “What Is True?” team has found these claims to be unsubstantiated.

There is currently no public evidence supporting these claims. As of publication, investigators have not released the full security footage, and the results of an independent autopsy have not been made public.

For a better understanding of the facts of this case, read the full fact-check below:

On Sept. 15, 2025, around 7 a.m., Demartravion “Trey” Reed was found hanging from a tree on Delta State University’s campus. Since his death, speculation and misinformation have spread online about what happened in the hours before his death and what evidence exists.

Some posts claim there is video footage showing Reed being attacked or otherwise harmed. Others insist that video proves he was unharmed or that no footage exists at all. At a Sept. 17 news conference, Delta State University’s director of public safety, Mike Peeler, confirmed security footage from the night of Reed’s death does exist but said the recordings are part of the ongoing investigation and are not available to the public.

The official autopsy report, released Sept. 18, found no signs of foul play, according to law enforcement and the Bolivar County coroner. However, social media users have continued to circulate unverified claims about physical injuries or alternate causes of death.

Civil Rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Reed’s family, announced that Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp Autopsy Initiative offered to fund an independent autopsy. Reed’s family accepted, and that autopsy was performed before his funeral on September 27, according to our partners at the Clarion Ledger. As of this publication, those results have not been released publicly. 

This remains an open and ongoing investigation involving local and federal officials. While public interest and emotion are high, spreading unverified claims about video footage or autopsy results risks distorting the facts and causing further harm to those involved.

Here’s how you can spot misinformation in ongoing investigations:

– Wait for official releases. Reliable information will come from law enforcement statements, public records, or official family representatives — not anonymous posts.

– Check publication dates. Older posts often resurface after new developments, creating confusion about what’s current.

– Be cautious of “leaked” evidence. Unverified photos, screenshots, or videos are common sources of misinformation.

– Avoid assuming motive or cause. In active investigations, details can change as new evidence emerges.

– Remember the impact. Sharing unverified claims can fuel panic, retraumatize families, and interfere with investigations.

This report was produced by the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center as part of its “What Is True?” fact-checking service. The center investigates local claims to help the public separate fact from fiction. To learn more or submit a claim for review, visit rhcjcnews.com/witreq.