At least 215 bodies have been discovered buried in unmarked graves behind a state jail in Jackson, Mississippi. Reports say families of the deceased did not know of the alarming situation until last month.
According to FOX 26, some grave sites were only identified by a number and a metal rod. Concerns have also been raised about the lack of transparency and respect in handling the deceased. In this regard, families of the victims have called for an investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the unmarked graves.
These unmarked graves came to light following Dexter Wade’s death in March 2023, when a police officer fatally hit him. Reports say his family was not informed about his demise and was buried without their knowledge. Also, he was buried without any identification on him.
WSWS noted that Bettersten Wade spent seven months looking for her middle child, Dexter Wade, who suddenly went missing in March 2023. She only found out the truth about her son in October 2023 that he had been killed shortly after leaving her home. He was fatally hit by a Jackson police car while crossing a nearby interstate highway.
Activist Arthur “Silky Slim” Reed, who has been working with attorney Ben Crump, said the situation in Mississippi is deeply troubling, with six additional bodies now discovered in similar unmarked graves.
According to him, bodies buried were not embalmed, given coffins, or properly buried, resulting in a disturbing stench that attracted scavengers. He noted that the situation is beyond race, as white and black individuals are buried without dignity.
Reed and attorney Dennis Week are now advocating for a federal investigation to uncover the truth behind these unmarked graves as well as advocating for the potential violation of civil rights in cases like Dexter Wade’s, Fox 26 reported.
