Clues to Teen’s Hanging Sought in Computer

Sheriff’s deputies investigating the hanging death of a young black man have seized his computer, hoping to find evidence on its hard drive that will indicate whether the death was a suicide or murder.

Raynard Johnson, 17, was found dead June 16. Two autopsies--one commissioned by the family--showed Johnson’s injuries were consistent with suicide.

Johnson’s family, joined by the Rev. Jesse Jackson and other civil rights leaders, maintain the teen was lynched because he was friendly with two white girls.

“The investigation is not over,” Jackson said Saturday.

“The autopsy is not conclusive evidence, it is only a piece of evidence,” he added.

Jackson said the FBI, the Justice Department and the Mississippi attorney general still are investigating the case. He labeled as “premature” Gov. Ronnie Musgrove’s statement Wednesday that the investigation is finished.

Investigators want to study Johnson’s computer files to see if he had received racist threats or had written a suicide note.

“Odds are, there is nothing on the computer,” Dist. Atty. Buddy McDonald said. “But I don’t think we could have a thorough investigation until we look at it.”

Deputies videotaped the removal of the computer because family members have said they believe local authorities cannot be trusted.

Marion County Sheriff’s Department Investigator Doug Barnes said the computer was promptly handed off to FBI agents who would examine the hard drive.