The alleged lynching of a 21-year-old black man in Henderson, North Carolina, has raised concerns about racist violence in the South.
Javion Magee, a truck driver from Chicago, was found dead on September 11. Initially, it was said that he had hung from a tree. However, police classified his death as a suicide. Magee’s family disputes this conclusion and calls for a thorough and transparent investigation.
The case gained widespread attention after Magee’s cousin, a TikTok user named @scottieprimpin, shared details of his death on social media. The posts sparked discussions about Henderson’s racial past, with some online users claiming the city had a long history as a “sundown town” — places historically known for anti-black violence after sunset, including lynchings.
A search warrant obtained by Vance County investigators sheds light on Magee’s final moments. Officers were dispatched to 285 Vance Mill Road after receiving a report of a possible suicide. Detective Labra, whose first name was not listed on the search warrant, found Magee sitting at the base of a tree with a blue rope around his neck. According to the search warrant, Magee showed no visible signs of assault or trauma.
Investigators discovered evidence at the scene, including a torn paper package from Walmart.com that matched the brand of the rope around Magee’s neck, as well as unopened smoking paraphernalia. A review of Walmart surveillance footage revealed that Magee purchased the rope for $4.20 on Sept. 10 at 6:20 p.m. He was observed leaving the store alone, wearing the same clothing he was wearing when he was found.
Further investigation tracked Magee’s movements, including stops at a Hampton Inn and a local tobacco shop. Surveillance footage from a Shell gas station later showed Magee’s truck driving on Vance Mill Road and turning toward the area where his body was found. However, the footage did not show Magee returning to his truck.
Authorities continue to examine surveillance footage, cell phone records and evidence found in Magee’s truck. Vance County District Attorney Mike Waters said the investigation is being conducted thoroughly, as with any suspicious death. He also confirmed that the North Carolina Medical Examiner will determine the official cause of death.
Magee’s family has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for the travel and legal fees they plan to spend in their search for answers. The page, set up by a family member, has raised over $8,000 so far.
