Jan 4, 2025 Story by: Editor
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences has determined that the death of Dennoriss Richardson, a Black man found hanging in an abandoned house in Colbert County in late September, was a suicide. However, a private autopsy commissioned by Richardson’s family challenges this conclusion, leaving the case shrouded in controversy and raising questions about the investigation.
Richardson, 39, was discovered far from his home in Sheffield, Alabama, a town of nearly 10,000 residents along the Tennessee River. According to Colbert County Sheriff Eric Balentine, a state autopsy released in December confirmed the preliminary findings of suicide. “They get those preliminary results back pretty quick; we had those within the week,” Balentine told AL.com. “It’s taken three months to get the official report back.”
Despite the state’s findings, Richardson’s family and community remain skeptical, citing a history of racial injustice and distrust of local authorities. Richardson’s wife, Leigh Richardson, expressed doubt about the official conclusion. “The sheriff’s department has been saying he committed suicide from the beginning, within five days of investigation,” she said in a statement. “This is why we are fighting for the truth. We know that ‘NaNa’ did not kill himself.”
Contradictions in Autopsy Findings
A private autopsy conducted by forensic pathologist Dr. Adel Shaker agreed with the state’s conclusion that Richardson died from “asphyxia secondary to neck compression,” consistent with hanging. However, Shaker noted the absence of the hyoid bone, a key piece of evidence that can sometimes indicate the manner of death in cases involving neck trauma.
Dr. Shaker’s report stated, “A thorough and meticulous investigation should be carried out to rule out staged suicide.” Without access to photographs of the scene or the rope allegedly used, Shaker concluded it was impossible to determine if Richardson’s death was a homicide or suicide.
Dr. Thomas Andrew, a forensic pathologist with over 40 years of experience, explained that the hyoid bone is not always a definitive indicator of how a person died. “You cannot opine on the manner of death based on the hyoid bone alone,” Andrew said, adding that the bone breaks in about 25% of hangings and 50% of strangulations.
Richardson had no injuries apart from neck trauma, and his toxicology report showed no abnormalities, which Dr. Andrew described as “important observations.”
Civil Rights Lawsuit and Community Outcry
Richardson was among several Black men who had filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against local law enforcement, alleging patterns of abuse. His attorney, Roderick Van Daniel, called the investigation “suspicious” and criticized the lack of transparency. “This family and community are tired of the evasive answers and lies being told to them,” Van Daniel said.
Public frustration culminated in a march in November, with approximately 100 people demanding transparency from law enforcement. “We can’t continue to allow the same things to happen over and over without standing up and doing something,” said march organizer Eartist Bridges.
Social worker Trinda Owens, who spoke during the march, emphasized the importance of addressing mental health stigmas and called for systemic change. “This is about securing a future where our minds and bodies are valued, heard, and safe,” Owens said.
Federal Investigation Ongoing
In response to community outcry, Sheriff Balentine called for a federal investigation into Richardson’s death. The FBI has since opened an investigation, which remains ongoing. A spokesperson for the FBI declined to comment on the case.
The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences did not immediately release a copy of the autopsy report, citing its classification as public information unless tied to a pending investigation.
As the community awaits answers, Richardson’s family continues to demand justice and clarity regarding the circumstances of his death. Source: AP News
