Details emerge of final moments of Black man allegedly lynched in Henderson, North Carolina

The alleged lynching of a 21-year-old Black man in Henderson, North Carolina, has sparked concerns about racial violence in the South.

Javion Magee, a truck driver from Chicago, was found dead on September 11, initially reported to have been hanging from a tree. However, law enforcement ruled his death a suicide, a conclusion Magee's family disputes, calling for a thorough and transparent investigation.

The case gained widespread attention after Magee’s cousin, a TikTok user known as @scottieprimpin, shared details of his death on social media. The posts prompted discussions about Henderson’s racial history, with some online users claiming that the town has a legacy as a "sundown town"—places historically known for violence against Black people after sunset, including lynchings.

A search warrant filed by Vance County investigators sheds light on Magee’s final moments. Authorities were dispatched to 285 Vance Mill Road after receiving a report of a possible suicide. Detective Labra, whose first name was not listed in the warrant, found Magee sitting at the base of a tree with a blue rope wrapped around his neck. According to the warrant, Magee displayed no visible signs of assault or trauma.

Investigators discovered evidence at the scene, including a ripped paper wrapping from Walmart.com that matched the brand of the rope around Magee’s neck, as well as unopened smoking materials. A review of Walmart surveillance footage revealed that Magee had purchased the rope for $4.20 at 6:20 p.m. on September 10. He was seen leaving the store alone, wearing the same clothes he had on when he was found.

Further investigation tracked Magee’s movements, including stops at a Hampton Inn and a local smoke shop. Surveillance footage from a Shell gas station later showed Magee’s truck traveling 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 are continuing to investigate by reviewing surveillance footage, cell phone records, and evidence found in Magee’s truck. Mike Waters, the district attorney for Vance County, stated that the investigation is being conducted thoroughly, as with any suspicious death case. 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 funds for travel and legal expenses in their search for answers. The page, organized by a family member, has raised over $8,000 to date.