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'Trey' Reed's death at Delta State University, Erika Kirk & Memphis tanks

Plus: Digging into claim RFK Jr. and White House 'buried' study linking alcohol use to cancer

Author

Megan Loe
September 18, 2025

THURSDAY EDITION

Snopes Debunker

A football stadium is shown with "Delta State" on the back of the press box.

What we know about death of Demartravion 'Trey' Reed, Black student found hanging at Delta State University

After Delta State University staff found 21-year-old Demartravion "Trey" Reed, who was Black, hanging from a tree on campus this month, some social media users claimed he was lynched. Though the term lynching can apply generally to mob killings without due process, it carries strong associations to violence committed by white people against Black individuals.

Amid the confusion and rumors surrounding Reed’s death, Snopes reporter Laerke Christensen broke down the details investigators have revealed so far. You can read her full report by clicking below.

A white man is shown on a TV screen. At the bottom, a chyron says, "UTAH GOVENOR ON KIRK SHOOTING SUSPECT: WE GOT HIM."" In smaller letters underneath, the chyron alson says, ""HEY FASCIST" ON BULLET CASING."

Investigating claims Charlie Kirk shooting suspect's roommate is trans

The roommate — whom the suspect called "my love" – reportedly had no prior knowledge of the shooting and was cooperating, based on court filings.

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Support Snopes With Our Monthly Membership

At Snopes, we work hard every day to fact-check political claims and debunk misinformation wherever it spreads. We need your help to keep doing this far-ranging work. By growing our membership, we can continue cutting straight to the facts on what matters most to you. We appreciate any support you can give.

A white man wearing a dark blue suit looks to the left.

Did Trump say, 'Smart people don't like me'? What we know

Trump critics are sharing a video of him supposedly making the statement. But the Instagram user who originally posted the video said it’s missing context.

A white woman and man sit next to each other on a stage. Both are smiling, and the man holds a microphone in his right hand.

Is Erika Kirk pregnant? No evidence the rumor is true

Erika Kirk had not confirmed her third pregnancy on social media or in public remarks following the assassination of her husband, Charlie Kirk.

A blurry image shows a group of people on a tank.

Video shows Memphis residents riding tanks stolen from Trump's National Guard deployment?

Social media users shared this claim after Trump signed a memorandum deploying troops to the Tennessee city to combat crime.

Staff Pick

Two white men sit next to each other. The one on the left is speaking into a microphone.

Digging into claim RFK Jr. and White House 'buried' study linking alcohol use to cancer

Earlier this month, Vox published a story claiming HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the White House had “buried” a major study on alcohol and cancer.

The truth is complicated. Snopes reporter Jack Izzo dug into what happened.