The FBI is investigating the death of Dennoris Richardson

The FBI has officially opened a death investigation Dennoris RichardsonA 39-year-old black man was found hanging in an abandoned house in Colbert County, Alabama.

According to Related pressthe investigation was launched at the request of Sheriff Eric Balentine, who stated that while his department was confident in the original ruling of suicide, he hoped the FBI’s review would provide Richardson’s family with “more peace of mind.”

The sheriff’s office initially ruled Richardson’s death a suicide, but Richardson’s family and the community strongly disputed that conclusion, citing long-standing distrust of local law enforcement and the area’s painful history of racial violence.

“It was supposed to look like suicide” – the family rejects the official ruling

Richardson’s estranged wife, Leigh Richardson, strongly disputes the suicide ruling. According to BOSSIP, she believes that her husband’s death was staged and told AL.com, “It was supposed to look like suicide. It’s not suicide.”

Leigh filed a missing person’s report with Sheffield Police on September 26, the day after her last conversation with Dennorisse. As BOSSIP previously reported, he told her he planned to turn himself in, but she insists he had no connection with the abandoned mansion where he was eventually found. The family ordered a second autopsy as they continued their search for answers

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A painful history of racial violence casts a shadow over the case

Richardson’s death caused deep concern in Colbert County, where a painful history of racial violence weighs heavily on Black residents. According to AP, Tori Bailey, president of the local NAACP chapter, said the community’s reaction reflects the trauma of lynchings throughout Alabama’s history. Data from the Equal Justice Initiative record 359 lynchings in Alabama between 1877 and 1943, with 11 of them occurring in Colbert County alone.

“There has long been a disconnect between communities of color and law enforcement,” Bailey said.

It is clear that many residents do not feel that they are cared for and protected by local authorities.

The lawsuit against Sheffield Police alleges brutality and intimidation

BOSSIP reported earlier that Richardson filed a lawsuit against the Sheffield Police Department earlier this year, accusing it of brutality and intimidation. The lawsuit alleged that officers beat, tasered and maced him while he was restrained and taunted him, saying, “No one can help you.” As previously reported by BOSSIPLeigh Richardson claimed that the officers even offered him dismissal if he withdrew the lawsuit, but he refused. She also noted that Dennoriss was incorrectly classified as “white” in several police reports, which she interprets as a further disregard for black residents.

Community fear and distrust in law enforcement are growing

Attorney Roderick Van Daniel, who represents Richardson and several other Colbert County residents over similar allegations of police misconduct, said AP that the fear of police retaliation is high.

The AP further reported that Marvin Long, a close friend of the Richardson family, said his fear of law enforcement has only grown since Richardson’s death, reflecting long-standing distrust in the community.

‘We deserve answers’ – family and friends demand justice

At a recent memorial service, Richardson’s family and friends gathered in his honor. AP reports attorney Van Daniel spoke on behalf of the family’s pursuit of justice.

“His family and the Sheffield community deserve answers. We deserve answers,” Van Daniel said.

The investigation into the death of Dennoris Richardson continues following the involvement of the FBI. A community horrified by a history of racial injustice is waiting for the truth, hoping for accountability and transparency in a case that has already reopened old wounds.