Javion Magee’s family believed that he was the victim of a hate crime after he was found dead in September 2024.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has ruled the death of a 21-year-old man from Illinois as suicide by hanging, according to an autopsy report released Wednesday. The finding comes amid the family’s concerns that the death may have been a hate crime.
Javion Malik Magee was found dead on Sept. 11, 2024, near a trucking company in Vance County, North Carolina, where his vehicle was parked. According to the newly released autopsy report, Magee was discovered by landscapers in a seated position beneath a tree with a blue rope wrapped around his neck.
The medical examiner’s report details physical evidence consistent with hanging. Toxicology tests detected only the presence of THC in his system.
“Based on the autopsy findings and circumstances surrounding the death, as currently understood, the cause of death is listed as hanging. The manner of death is classified as suicide,” the report states.
Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame previously indicated that surveillance footage showed Magee purchasing the rope used in his death from a Walmart where he had stopped for a delivery. Investigators report finding the packaging and receipt for the rope at the scene.
However, family representatives questioned the circumstances surrounding Magee’s death in September.
“In my opinion, it’s a hate crime because this young man had no indication of suicidal ideation,” said Candice Matthews, who identified herself as a spokesperson for the family in previous statements to WRAL News.
Magee, a graduate of Longview High School in Texas, was working as a delivery truck driver at the time of his death.
The medical examiner noted that law enforcement investigation found no evidence of foul play, though the autopsy report does not address the family’s concerns about potential hate crime motivations.
Authorities have not indicated whether they consider the investigation closed following the medical examiner’s determination.
Magee’s family has not released a statement since the autopsy was released.
If you or a loved one are facing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, there is help readily available. You can call Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat with them online. There are also resources in North Carolina available here and in South Carolina available here.
