Photo Courtesy of The Grio
NBC News reported that according to a new autopsy released, certain injuries on Alonzo Brook’s body were concluded to be inconsistent with normal patterns of decomposition, leading investigators to deduce that his death was a homicide.
The night of the incident, Brooks was one of three Black people at a party with over 100 attendees. A new investigation focuses on whether the death of Brooks, a Black man, could have been a racially motivated murder.
A then-23-year-old Brooks was found dead in a creek after a farmhouse party on the outskirts of La Cygne, Kansas, 17 years ago. After a month of law enforcement agencies failing to find him, his family and friends decided to organize a search party where they were finally able to locate him.
Originally, the investigation led to an undetermined cause of death, and witnesses’ interviews were dead ends. However, on April 5, the Federal Bureau of Investigations ruled that his body needed to be exhumed.
“We knew that Alonzo Brooks died under very suspicious circumstances,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard. “This new examination by a team of the world’s best forensic pathologists and experts establishes it was no accident. Alonzo Brooks was killed. We are doing everything we can, and will spare no resources, to bring those responsible to justice.”
The FBI announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of people responsible for Brook’s death.
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As reported by The Associated Press, FBI Special Agent in Charge Timothy Langan, stated
“The FBI’s commitment to justice remains at the forefront of each and every investigation.”
“Our reach is broad, and the strength of our investigative tools are exceptional. We remain dedicated to uncovering the truth surrounding the murder of Alonzo Brooks and ensuring those responsible are held accountable for their actions.”