The FBI has officially launched an investigation into the death of Dennoriss Richardson, a 39-year-old Black man who was found hanging in an abandoned house in Colbert County, Alabama.
Source: Trinity Memorial Funeral Homes
According to the Associated Press, this investigation began after a request from Sheriff Eric Balentine, who stated that while his department was confident in its initial suicide ruling, they hoped an FBI review would bring “more peace of mind” to Richardson’s family.
The sheriff’s office initially classified the death as a suicide, but Richardson’s family and the local community have vehemently questioned this conclusion, citing years of distrust in local law enforcement and a painful history of racially charged violence in the area.
“This Was Made To Look Like A Suicide” — Family Rejects Official Ruling
Richardson’s estranged wife, Leigh Richardson, strongly disputes the suicide ruling. As reported by BOSSIP, she believes her husband’s death was staged and told AL.com, “This was made to look like a suicide. It’s not a suicide.”
Leigh filed a missing person’s report with Sheffield police on September 26, a day after her last conversation with Dennoriss. As previously reported by BOSSIP, he told her he was planning to turn himself in, but she insists he had no connection to the abandoned property where he was eventually found. The family has since ordered a second autopsy as they continue their search for answers
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Painful History of Racial Violence Casts Shadow Over Case
Richardson’s death has sparked deep concern in Colbert County, where the painful history of racial violence weighs heavily on Black residents. According to AP, Tori Bailey, president of the local NAACP chapter, shared that the community’s response reflects the trauma tied to Alabama’s history with lynchings. Data from the Equal Justice Initiative records 359 lynchings in Alabama between 1877 and 1943, with 11 occurring in Colbert County alone.
“There has long been a kind of disconnect between communities of color and law enforcement,” said Bailey.
Clearly, many residents do not feel they are served and protected by local authorities.
Lawsuit Against Sheffield Police Alleges Brutality and Intimidation
BOSSIP previously reported that Richardson had filed a lawsuit against the Sheffield Police Department earlier this year, alleging a pattern of brutality and intimidation. The lawsuit claimed that officers beat, tased, and maced him while he was restrained, taunting him by saying, “Nobody can help you.” As previously rerported by BOSSIP, Leigh Richardson alleged that officers even offered to release him if he dropped the lawsuit—an offer he refused. She also noted that on several police reports, Dennoriss was misclassified as “white,” which she interprets as further disregard for Black residents.
Community Fear And Distrust Of Law Enforcement Grow
Attorney Roderick Van Daniel, who represents Richardson and several other Colbert County residents with similar allegations of police misconduct, told AP that fear of police retaliation runs high.
AP further reported that Marvin Long, a close friend of the Richardson family, shared that his fear of law enforcement has only intensified since Richardson’s death, echoing the community’s long-standing distrust.
“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,” said Van Daniel.
With the FBI now involved, the investigation into Dennoriss Richardson’s death continues. A community now sits scarred by a history of racial injustice awaits the truth, hoping for accountability and transparency in a case that has already reopened old wounds.
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