A thorough investigation by the FBI has determined that a young Black man, Derontae Martin, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a Missouri home in 2021, contrary to initial suspicions of foul play or a hate crime.
The investigation, prompted by questions raised by Martin’s family and a coroner’s inquest, involved extensive evidence gathering and analysis by the FBI. Findings presented to Martin’s relatives in December 2022 indicate that methamphetamines in his system, along with a perceived threat, led to his tragic decision.
The case garnered attention due to the homeowner’s history of racially insensitive social media posts, but the FBI asserts that no evidence supports a connection between those posts and Martin’s death.