Authorities: no hate crime investigation in gay Mississippi politician's death
Published: Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Updated: Tuesday, March 5, 2013 23:03
 "Photo: AP Photo/The Clarksdale Press Register, Troy Catchings")
AP Photo/The Clarksdale Press Register, Troy Catchings
Marco McMillian, 34, a candidate for mayor of Clarksdale, Miss., who was found dead on the Mississippi River levee Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013 between Sherard and Rena Lara, Miss.
Mississippi police officials have closed off a hate crime as the cause of death of 34-year-old gay politician Marco McMillian.
According to the Jackson Clarion Ledger:
The Coahoma County Sheriff’s Department, however, isn’t exploring that option, said its spokesman Will Rooker. The department is leading the investigation with the help of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. MBI spokesman Warren Strain couldn’t be reached for comment Monday.
McMillian's body was found beaten, dragged and set on fire next to the Mississippi River on Friday, according to a statement from his family.
His campaign said the mayoral candidate was possibly the first openly gay viable candidate for an office in Mississippi.
Lawrence Reed, 22, of Clarksdale, Miss., has been charged in McMillian's homicide, according to the Clarion Ledger.
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