FBI investigates death of black man found hanging in Alabama
The death of Dennoriss Richardson, a 39-year-old Black man found hanging in an abandoned house in rural Alabama, is now under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
His mother, Bonita Richardson, expressed belief the local sheriff’s describing it as suicide is incorrect and insists that her son was killed.
Richardson’s body was discovered by the Colbert County Sheriff’s Office nearly 30 minutes from his home in Sheffield, Alabama. Bonita Richardson has voiced her disbelief, claiming her son had no connection to the house where he was found and did not leave a suicide note.
“I would not accept a suicide [ruling],” Bonita Richardson told ABC News. “I will not allow it [his case] to be closed until justice was found because there was foul play somewhere.”
Bonita believes the Sheffield Police Department may be involved due to her son’s lawsuit against the department.
Filed in February, the lawsuit accused police of using excessive force, including assaulting Richardson, denying him medical treatment, and using tear gas and a stun gun while he was incarcerated.
The Sheffield Police Department has not responded to ABC News’ request for comment but has disputed the allegations, filing a motion to dismiss the case.
The Colbert County Coroner’s Office also did not respond to requests for Richardson’s autopsy report or cause of death.
Sheriff Eric Balentine confirmed the autopsy indicated Richardson died from hanging, ruling it a suicide. However, Balentine expressed his desire for transparency, explaining that he welcomed the FBI’s investigation to ensure the family would find peace.
“If it had been one of my daughters or one of my nieces or any family member of mine, if I had any questions, regardless of what colour they are, I would want to be sure that no stone was left unturned, and that’s kind of what we’re doing here,” Balentine told ABC News.
“We want to show transparency, to show that we did our job to the best of our ability with all of our resources, but I do understand the nature and the concerns of the family.”
The FBI confirmed it is reviewing the case, stating it takes all allegations of federal law violations seriously and will continue investigating if evidence supports any violations.
Richardson had previously raised concerns with Sheffield Mayor Steven Stanley about being racially profiled. Stanley recalled their civil discussions, with Richardson alleging profiling during at least two visits to the mayor’s office.
Richardson’s criminal history included a 2006 drug conviction and several subsequent arrests, with most charges being dropped. At the time of his death, he was out on bond after being charged with meth trafficking.