A grieving family, shocked and devastated by the loss of their loved one, is now calling for a federal investigation after a series of tragic events unfolded. Dexter Wade, a 37-year-old man, was fatally struck by an off-duty police officer’s SUV on March 5. However, the family claims that they were not informed of his death until nearly six months later.
According to his mother, Bettersten Wade, Dexter left home following an argument and never returned. She reported him missing to the Jackson Police Department in Mississippi but was never informed about his tragic demise until August 24. “He just disappeared off the face of the Earth and nobody knew where he was. None of his friends, nobody,” said Wade, expressing her anguish.
Shockingly, the family discovered that Dexter had been buried without their knowledge in a cemetery outside a county prison. His grave was unmarked, with only a number to identify him. This revelation left the family feeling betrayed and robbed of their right to say goodbye to their loved one.
The coroner’s office claims that Dexter was identified through prescription medication found on his person, and next of kin information was obtained from a medical clinic. However, Wade asserts that she was never contacted by the authorities. Despite filing a missing person report and tirelessly searching for her son, she was left in the dark about his fate.
In response to these distressing events, civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing the Wade family, plans to petition the court to have Dexter’s body exhumed for an independent autopsy. The family hopes to give him a proper funeral, offering closure and solace to his mother, daughters, and relatives.
This tragic incident has shed light on the lack of communication between various departments involved, including the missing person’s division, the coroner’s office, and accident investigators. The mayor of Jackson, Chokwe Antar Lumumba, has acknowledged the lapse in communication and assured the public that no malicious intent was involved in the handling of this case.
As the family prepares to seek justice and answers, the community mourns the loss of a life taken too soon. The call for a federal investigation serves as a beacon of hope for a grieving family, demanding accountability and transparency in the face of an unimaginable tragedy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What happened to Dexter Wade?
Dexter Wade was fatally struck by an off-duty police officer’s SUV.
2. When did Dexter Wade’s family learn about his death?
Dexter Wade’s family was not informed of his death until nearly six months after he passed away.
3. Why was Dexter Wade buried without his family’s knowledge?
Dexter Wade was buried without his family’s knowledge in a cemetery outside a county prison, with his grave marked only by a number.
4. Was Dexter Wade’s mother contacted by the authorities?
Dexter Wade’s mother claims that she was not contacted by the authorities regarding his death.
5. What action is the Wade family taking?
The Wade family plans to petition the court to have Dexter Wade’s body exhumed for an independent autopsy and aims to provide him with a proper funeral. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump is representing the family in this matter.