Sheriff Requests FBI Investigation into Death of Black Man Found Hanging in Alabama Amid Claims of Lynching
The FBI is investigating the death of Dennoriss Richardson, a Black man who was found hanged in an abandoned house in Alabama, following a request from the local sheriff amid community accusations of local law enforcement misconduct. Richardson’s death was ruled a suicide by the Colbert County Sheriff’s Office but his wife insists he would not kill himself and believes his death might be connected to a lawsuit he filed against local police, alleging assault and abuse while in custody. Widespread distrust of the local law enforcement reflects a history of excessive force incidents and lynchings in the area. The recent case is one among a series of lawsuits against the Sheffield Police Department. Sheriff Eric Balentine hopes the FBI investigation will help alleviate community concerns.
John Q. Hosedrinker