Body of African-American man found hanging from tree in Port Gibson , Mississippi , Thursday morning is confirmed to be that of Otis Byrd . Death has similarities to a lynching and his body had been decaying for some time according to authorities . Authorities say they are not sure yet whether death was a homicide or suicide and will know next week . One official has reported he believes that the death will ultimately prove to be a suicide based on early findings . The last time Byrd was seen was on camera leaving a casino in Vicksburg , Mississippi about 12 feet north . He spent 25 years in prison for the murder of Lucille Trim , a white woman who he shot four times during an armed robbery .
Body of African-American man found hanging from tree in Port Gibson , Mississippi , Thursday morning is confirmed to be that of Otis Byrd . Death has similarities to a lynching and his body had been decaying for some time according to authorities . Authorities say they are not sure yet whether death was a homicide or suicide and will know next week . One official has reported he believes that the death will ultimately prove to be a suicide based on early findings . The last time Byrd was seen was on camera leaving a casino in Vicksburg , Mississippi about 30 miles north . He spent 25 years in prison for the murder of Lucille Trim , a white woman who he shot four times during an armed robbery .