The FBI has started investigations on the hanging of an African American teen in Bladenboro, N.C. in Aug. 29. Lennon Lacy, 17 years old, who was found hanging on a swing set almost four months ago in a predominantly white neighborhood. The FBI will perform further investigations on the teen's death after the local court ruled the incident as suicide.
Lacy's mother Claudia and the National Advancementf for Colored People (NAACP) North Carolina chapter had raised some questions on the court ruling about th teenager's death, prompting the agency to step in.
According to a statement by NAACP N.C. Chapter President Dr. William Barber II, there were a lot of contradictions and unanswered questions about the case and the decision that was handed down to them.
"About the facts, quick conclusions and how the death scene was not protected to leave this case unprobed and unevaluated," Barber said.
Lennon Lacy, according to his mother, was a compassionate and respectful boy. She denied allegations that her son was depressed at the time of the incident. She also stated in an interview that Lennon was dating an older white woman before he passed away. She went on to say that she does not feel that the case was treated as it should have been, and does not believe that local police authorites were involved in her son's passing.
On the day of the tragic event, Lacy, according to his high school football team mates, was excited because their team will be fighting against the West Columbus Vikings. The teen has been working out and training the entire summer, and was geared to make himself stronger and more fit for the upcoming event. Barry Galyean, Lacy's pastor describes him as a "good kid."
He was hoping to make his mark and earn a college scholarship by being a football varsity player. Lacy dreamt of making it to the National Football League (NFL) after college. His dreams, however, did not see its fulfillment due to the tragic event.
