HUNDREDS ATTEND FUNERAL FOR OTIS BYRD, MISSISSIPPI MAN FOUND HANGING FROM TREE (2368 hits)
CLAIBORNE COUNTY, MS - A Port Gibson man found hanging from a tree was laid to rest on Friday afternoon.
A memorial service for Otis Byrd was held at Mt. Burner Baptist in rural Clairborne County.
A great deal of mystery still surrounds the death of the Byrd.
The 54-year-old was found hanging from a bed sheet behind his home in a wooded area about a week ago.
Hundreds of friends and family packed the pews of the small church for the memorial service.
A good number of Byrd's graduating class from Port Gibson High Class of 1978 were also present. The eulogy was one of unity for the community and prayers for the Byrd family.
Those close to the FBI investigation say they continue to look over evidence in this case, trying to determine exactly how Otis Byrd died.
A spokesperson for the family says they ask for the community's prayers while the investigation continues.
The NAACP of Claiborne County is taking a different stance.
They believe investigators have ruled the case a suicide from the beginning and didn't dig deep enough to find clues.
They have a peaceful protest set for next Saturday.
