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FBI Probes Death of Black Man in Alabama Amid Community Distrust
The FBI has commenced an investigation into the death of Dennoriss Richardson, a Black man found hanging in an abandoned house in Colbert County, Alabama. This development follows a request from local law enforcement, amid rising concerns within the community regarding potential misconduct by police.
The body of 39-year-old Dennoriss Richardson was discovered by sheriff’s deputies in September, in a secluded area far from his residence in Sheffield, a small city located near the Tennessee River. While the Colbert County Sheriff’s Office classified the death as a suicide, Richardson’s wife, Leigh, strongly refutes this, insisting that her husband left no note and had no ties to the location where he was found.
Leigh Richardson has expressed fears that her husband’s death is linked to a lawsuit he had filed earlier in the year against the local police department. In the lawsuit, Dennoriss alleged mistreatment while in custody, including assault, denial of medical care, being sprayed with tear gas, and being shocked with a Taser.
Leigh Richardson maintains that she is not pinpointing blame on any individual, but she is certain her husband did not take his own life. Her views are echoed by many within the community, reflecting a broader skepticism surrounding law enforcement’s handling of Richardson’s death. Given Alabama’s troubling historical context of lynchings, especially among the Black population, residents in Colbert County have voiced persistent concerns about excessive use of force by the police.
Sheriff Eric Balentine, who sought the FBI’s assistance, stated that his department had thoroughly investigated the case and was confident in their findings. However, he acknowledged that the FBI’s involvement may provide additional solace to Richardson’s family. An FBI spokesperson confirmed that the allegations of possible misconduct were being reviewed as part of their inquiry.
Tori Bailey, president of the local NAACP chapter, highlighted that the community’s reaction to Richardson’s death is informed by the legacy of lynching in Alabama, where between 1877 and 1943, 359 lynchings were recorded, with 11 occurring specifically in Colbert County. Bailey noted that, regardless of the circumstances surrounding Richardson’s death, the community’s reaction is entirely justified. She underscored the disconnect that often exists between communities of color and law enforcement, which has fostered feelings of distrust.
The tragic parallels drawn to previous cases, such as that of Robert Fuller, a Black man found hanging in California, who was similarly ruled a suicide despite widespread community outcry, further contribute to apprehensions regarding the circumstances of Richardson’s death.
Marvin Long, a friend of Richardson’s family, articulated his apprehension about police interactions, stating that he now feels a heightened sense of fear when encountering law enforcement. Long himself has faced issues with local police, having recently filed a lawsuit after an incident where he was allegedly assaulted following a simple inquiry about an arrest near his home.
Citizens like Richardson and Long are emblematic of broader issues of alleged police misconduct within the area. Several Black and Latino men have filed lawsuits against the Sheffield Police Department in recent years, alleging various forms of excessive force, with indications that a culture of fear exists in the community regarding reporting such incidents.
Amid these looming allegations, Sheriff Balentine refrained from commenting on specific cases but insisted that he believed the community generally trusts local law enforcement. He expressed hope that the FBI investigation would facilitate greater transparency, which he suggested could help mend community relations.
Leigh Richardson has known her husband since he was a teenager, describing him as a loving father dedicated to their five children. However, she also recalls his longstanding fear of the police, particularly after he filed his lawsuit when he often felt targeted by law enforcement.
Sheffield Mayor Steve Stanley confirmed that Dennoriss had previously sought his assistance regarding issues of racial profiling, assuring him that any officer-related complaints would be investigated. Despite a known history of legal troubles, including a past drug charge, it appears that many charges against him ultimately did not result in convictions.
As the community continues to grapple with Richardson’s death, uncertainty looms. A vigil held in his honor drew friends and family, where calls for accountability and justice resounded. At the memorial, attorney Roderick Van Daniel emphasized the need for transparency surrounding the investigation, affirming that answers are essential for both Richardson’s family and the broader Sheffield community.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline here.
For more information about mental health care resources and support, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email info@nami.org.
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