Atlanta Police Say Piedmont Park Death A Suicide, Mayor Calls In FBI

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Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed discusses his decision to involve the FBI in the APD's investigation as Chief George Turner looks on. / GPB

The Atlanta Police Department has released the report of its initial response to the scene of a man found hanging from a tree in Piedmont Park early Thursday morning.

The report echoes a sentiment expressed by Atlanta Police officers at a press conference Friday: the man, who has yet to be identified, likely killed himself.

“Upon examining the body, it appeared that the male had tied a white rope to a thick branch of a tree and then around his neck and hung himself,” the report reads.

It continues: “At this time the incident appears to be a suicide, but the final ruling will be made after autopsy.”

Atlanta Police officers responded to the scene near the Charles Allen entrance to Piedmont Park just before 5 a.m. Thursday morning.

They arrived to find the man, who they described as a black male, 25-35 years old, hanging from the tree. The report says there were no signs of struggle or foul play. A Fulton County Medical Examiner also responded and the scene was consistent with a suicide, the report reads.

On Thursday, after social media outrage over initial reports that the death was a suicide, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed issued a statement saying the FBI had been called in to assist with the investigation.

He told reporters Friday that the decision to involve the FBI was not a direct response to any social media backlash.

“There really wasn’t a question as to whether or not the FBI would be involved, at least on our side. Fortunately, we have terrific partners and they were willing to help us in that regard,” Reed said.

“When the public feels that this should be an additional investigation, we are not opposed to opening the investigation to outside agencies if we feel it will bring proper procedures to light and proper closure for the community,” said Atlanta Police spokeswoman Elizabeth Espy.

However, she did say it was uncommon for APD to turn to the FBI for help in a death investigation. The FBI declined to comment on their involvement with the case Friday morning.

In his statement, Reed also called for the public’s support as Atlanta Police continue to investigate the matter.