Gay Black Man Found Hanged In Atlanta

RIP London Jermaine

From: NewNowNext

 Last Thursday, the body of an unidentified black man was found hanging in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park.

Though it was initially believed the incident may have been “hate crime,” police officials have now confirmed that the victim, 22-year-old Michael George Smith Jr., took his own life.

Smith, who was also known as London Jermaine, was discovered by park security at 4:30am . Just 30 minutes before his death, he took to Facebook to share his last words: “I see y’all in the next life…Father forgive me.”

 His identity was verified by family on Tuesday, and friends confirmed that he was a student at Georgia Tech, where he was studying computer science. Jermaine was openly gay and hoped to be an actor and model.

Though most of Jermaine’s posts on social media were lighthearted, a screenshot he shared of a conversation with his younger brother shed light on the struggles he faced with his homophobic family.

Jermaine wrote, “My mother is teaching my siblings to dispise [sic] Gays…I’m done with life.”

Some still believe Jermaine was lynched but the FBI stated that “a review of the findings… failed to indicate any signs of foul play.”

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed released a statement on Facebook:

I am deeply saddened by the loss of a young man’s life last night in Piedmont Park. This disturbing event demands our full attention.

The Atlanta Police Department (APD) is conducting a robust investigation into his death and I have asked to receive regular briefings on the status of the investigation. We have also referred the case to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Everything we have seen suggests that there was no foul play involved, but I want to state clearly and unequivocally that we will not prejudge the circumstances surrounding this young man’s death. 

APD will share all evidence discovered in the course of the investigation. We ask for the public’s support and cooperation as we work to resolve this matter.

Friends have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses.