Federal Officials Close Investigation Into Death of Otis James Byrd

Otis Byrd, 54, reported missing March 2, 2015 from Port Gibson, Mississippi; found hanging near his home March 19, 2015. FBI and state/local agencies investigated as possible homicide; federal prosecutors closed the case: “there was no evidence to prove that Byrd’s death was a homicide” (Justice Department, May 29, 2015). A relative, Florence Byrd, told WLBT: “It was ruled a suicide and we’ve accepted what they said, and we are on our own and asking God to strengthen us and lead us in the direction we should go … That’s that. Maybe suicide, we don’t know” (NBC News). His sister, Florene Hodge, the same day: “I don’t think it was suicide, but I am looking for closure. Nothing we can say will bring him back. It’s all in God’s hands. If he did commit suicide, then it’s only God who knows” (CBS News/AP, May 29, 2015, which also reports that lawyers hired by the family said they would conduct an investigation).

Corrected 2026-10-01. This record said the conclusion was one “the family and community did not fully accept.” The family did not speak with one voice: the relative NBC quotes said they had accepted it; his sister, quoted by CBS/AP, did not think it was suicide.