At least six Black people have been found hanging in publicly reported cases across the U.S. in 2026.
Several deaths were quickly classified as suicides, while families and communities in some cases have questioned those conclusions.
New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that young Black men are dying by suicide at a higher rate than young white men.
Brandon Jones, a psychotherapist who works with young Black men, told Capital B News the numbers reflect an accumulation of unresolved pain colliding with a generation that’s willing to name it.
“We’ve had these key political situations and social pushes that have affected us as a collective,” he said. “Young Black people are feeling a trauma response that is leading to people wondering, ‘Do I want to keep living in a world that is treating me [poorly] in this situation?”
Atlanta Black Star dug into these cases to see why law enforcement was so quick to close some of the investigations.
Kyle Bassinga — Georgia
Kyle Bassinga, 21, was found dead, hanging from a tree in Marietta, Georgia, on Feb. 18. The Georgia State University student was reported missing on February 14.
Investigators told WAGA that he was seen on surveillance footage walking alone into a wooded area.
Detectives said they found no evidence that anyone else was involved.
“At this time, there are no signs of foul play,” police said. Cobb County police ruled the death a suicide, citing no evidence of foul play from surveillance, witnesses, and the autopsy.
Bassinga’s family said in a statement through police that they are working with investigators and trust the process moving forward.
“Our family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of concern, prayers, and support from the community during this incredibly difficult time. Your compassion has meant more to us than we can fully express,” the family said in a statement posted by police.
Civil rights activist Gerald Rose told Audacy he was skeptical about the conclusion police reached.
“We don’t know if he committed suicide or was it some foul play, but questions need to be asked,” Rose said. “Just don’t sweep this under the rug, say it was a suicide and it was not.”
Juliana Umba Nzita — North Carolina
Juliana Umba Nzita, 16, was found dead, hanging from a tree near a church in Charlotte on May 8. She reportedly disappeared on April 28.
Nzita was discovered by a man walking his dog through the churchyard. According to investigators, she had a ratchet strap around her neck, and her feet were resting on the ground near a small toddler-size chair.
Within three days, the medical examiner ruled her death a suicide. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police closed the case four days after that, without performing an autopsy, finding her cellphone, or interviewing the man who found her body.
“We cannot let Juliana’s death be in vain. There has to be transparency and an investigation,” Kenneth Tolbert, the man who found Nzita, told The Charlotte Observer
Nzita reportedly immigrated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Her family described her as kind and active in church.
Atlanta Black Star tried multiple times to reach out to police about this case, but no one has responded.
To’Nea Nicole Miller — Florida
To’Nea Nicole Miller, 27, was found dead in Miami on June 18.
The Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office said Miller appeared to have died by suicide. She was also found with all of her belongings. Deputies never specified that she was found hanging from a tree.
Her sister, Terri Miller, rejected the conclusion that Miller died by suicide. She confirmed her sister was found hanging from a tree.
Miller’s sister admitted she and Miller had not spoken since January. She said her family members told her Miller was “doing great.”
“If anybody knew my sister To’Nea Nicole, that’s the last thing she would do. She loved life too much,” she said.
Atlanta Black Star tried multiple times to reach out to the sheriff’s office and the Miller family but has not heard back.
Justice Kai James — Georgia
Justice Kai James, 21, was found hanging outside the cafeteria at Turner Job Corps in Albany, Georgia, on June 21.
His family told WALB that students reported seeing James with his girlfriend at 8:30 p.m. The same students found him dead at 9:30 p.m.
James was a student at the facility and was working to earn a second trade certification, WALB reported.
Investigators initially told James’ family his death remained under investigation, not providing any details about what happened.
His death was ruled a suicide on July 20, officially ruling out any possibility of foul play.
“I just want answers,” James said. “I want to know what happened to my baby.”
Atlanta Black Star reached out to the police for more information but has not heard back.
Jerard ‘Jay’ Jackson — Michigan
Jerard “Jay” Jackson, 28, was found dead on June 30 in Rothbury, Michigan, after he left a music festival.
Michigan State Police said Jackson left the festival at 10 a.m.
Jackson’s friend Conor Prettyman posted in the music festival group chat that morning, asking if anyone had seen Jackson.
Troopers confirmed they found Jackson’s phone and other personal belongings at the campsite. They also recovered his rental car, which contained his wallet and keys.
Jackson’s body was found near his rental vehicle, hanging from a tree.
“Based on the investigation, it appears Jackson died by suicide. There is no indication of foul play,” troopers wrote.
Atlanta Black Star asked the investigator how he knew it was suicide. The investigator said, “It looked like that, so that’s why I said it appeared to be a suicide.”
Jackson’s aunt, La Toya Neal, and his stepfather, Sean, also spoke with Atlanta Black Star. They said they don’t think Jackson committed suicide.
“No way he committed suicide. He was just enjoying life, living life to the fullest,” Neal said. “This makes no sense.”
The official autopsy results have yet to be released.
Tasia Fortune — Mississippi
Tasia Fortune, 29, was found dead, hanging from a tree behind a vacant home in Jackson, Mississippi, on Aug. 3.
Her official cause and manner of death have not been determined.
Fortune’s aunt, Etta Avolio, posted a tearful tribute to her niece in an online fundraiser.
“The family wants others to know that justice will be served,” the aunt wrote.
Authorities arrested a person of interest in connection with Fortune’s death on an unrelated charge days later.
WBLT reported Terence Anderson was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. He is being held on a $250,000 bond. Police have not specified why he is considered a person of interest.
Atlanta Black Star reached out to authorities for more information on Fortune’s death but has not heard back.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, call the 988 National Crisis Hotline.
