Concerns grow after alleged lynching of a Black man in Henderson, North Carolina

Javion McGee was found hanging from a tree in Henderson, NC, as his relatives question the official suicide ruling.

Concerns are growing on social media following the alleged lynching of 21-year-old Javion McGee. 

The case was brought to attention by TikTok user @scottieprimpin, who shared her cousin’s death on the platform. McGee, a truck driver from Chicago, Illinois, was found hanging from a tree in Henderson, North Carolina on September 11. Although law enforcement ruled the death a suicide, McGee's family remains skeptical. @scottieprimpin has been urging viewers to help raise awareness about the case.

According to the TikTok user, authorities informed the family that McGee had purchased a rope from Walmart before taking his own life. However, the family does not accept this explanation. @scottieprimpin said, "We obviously don’t believe that, and we are just asking for your help to push his story out there."

@scottieprimpin

Please help my family in getting Justice for my little cousin #JavionMagee #Henderson #HendersonNC #Chicago #NAACP @ABC News @ABC11 @WGN9Chicago #JUSTICEFORJAVION #SAYHISNAME

♬ original sound - StormiNyte 🌪🖤

The case has sparked online discussions about Henderson, North Carolina, which some claim has a history as a "sundown town." These were areas, mostly from the 1890s to 1968, where Black people were not allowed after sunset and often faced violence, including lynchings. Many commenters believe McGee's death may be linked to this history, casting doubt on the official ruling.

‼️ 21 YEAR OLD, BLACK MALE LYNCHED

📍Henderson | North Carolina

Javion Magee, a 21-year-old Black man was found HANGING FROM A TREE in Henderson, NC.

Javion, a recent CDL holder, was on a delivery route when his body was discovered without his phone or wallet, yet authorities… pic.twitter.com/VBW56ysraW

— i Expose Racists & Pedos (@SeeRacists) September 13, 2024

@scottieprimpin also alleged that police initially prevented McGee’s mother from identifying his body, citing COVID-19 protocols. Police later said that McGee's father had to grant permission, which he did.

The Henderson Police Department clarified that the Vance County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation and that the incident did not occur within the city limits of Henderson.

McGee’s family is working with relevant authorities to seek more clarity, while the public closely follows the case for further developments.