By Mark Woolsey

Cobb County officials say the investigation into the death of 21-year-old Kyle Bassinga is still open, but that so far all available evidence indicates that he took his own life.

Cobb County Police chief Dan Ferrell and Board of Commissioners Chair Lisa Cupid held a news conference to address questions surrounding the Atlanta man, whose body was found hanging from a tree Feb. 18 in Fair Oaks Park.

Authorities have said the case is being investigated as a suicide.

Cupid addressed chatter on social media and direct feedback she’s received head-on, saying that against the historical backdrop of lynching of African American men, this case “has caused many to respond to what has occurred with great disbelief.”

She said “I hear you. I understand and we are very sensitive to that in this county.”

Hundreds of social media posts have questioned the circumstances surrounding Bassinga’s death, with some alleging a coverup by police and local officials.

Cupid said a great deal of misinformation has been spread in the local community and that she wants the truth for the family.

Ferrell echoed that, saying that established protocol means that more detailed information about the case will be released to the public only after the family is briefed first.

He says that’s been delayed because one family member is flying in from outside the country, but that a meeting is scheduled.

In the meantime, he reiterated,  “I can tell you based on the evidence collected so far there are no indications another person was involved in this incident.” But he said the investigation remains open and he apologized for the delay.

Ferrell said that the work by police has been thorough, including combing the scene, interviewing witnesses and forensic analysis. He also indicated a detailed look found no sign of a struggle or defensive injuries.     

“We’re trying to balance being transparent and balance the respect and dignity of the family,” he said. 

Police said Bassinga was observed walking into a wooded area of the park shortly before 4:30 p.m. on Valentine’s Day. His body was spotted later on that same day.

Cobb PD earlier released a statement on social media promising a “thorough and methodical” investigation.

While many who posted on the department’s Facebook page expressed support and prayers for the family and for Cobb Police, others took a more combative tone, with one poster warning of “nefarious works at play here” and wondering whether police were really trying to get to the bottom of what happened.