Congressman Thompson discusses Clarksdale murder - WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi

Congressman Thompson discusses Clarksdale murder

Posted: Updated:
  • Most Popular StoriesMost Popular Stories

  • Friday, May 24 2013 7:26 PM EDT2013-05-24 23:26:15 GMT
    Several Jackson County neighbors are extra cautious of their surroundings these days after some unusual sightings in their neighborhoods. A big black bear has been spotted this week roaming around the
    Several Jackson County neighbors are extra cautious of their surroundings these days after some unusual sightings in their neighborhoods. A big black bear has been spotted this week roaming around the St. Martin community. Those close encounters have some neighbors a bit nervous.
  • Monday, May 13 2013 12:24 PM EDT2013-05-13 16:24:04 GMT
    MARION COUNTY, MS (WDAM) - A weekend-long drug raid left 22 individuals behind bars, and more arrests to come. According to Marion County Sheriff Berkley Hall, the drug raid is the result of several
    A weekend-long drug raid left 22 individuals behind bars, and more arrests to come.
  • Friday, May 24 2013 10:24 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:24:32 GMT
    Those who are helping people overcome drug addiction said they are seeing more and more people hooked on Meth. One man shared his story of addition and recovery with the hope of helping others.
    Those who are helping people overcome drug addiction said they are seeing more and more people hooked on Meth. One man shared his story of addition and recovery with WLOX News with the hope of helping others who may be struggling.
JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -

The murder of Mayoral candidate Marco McMillian has stunned the City of Clarksdale. Some say it's a hate crime, and now we're hearing from Congressman Bennie Thompson, who has asked the FBI to look into it.

Congressman Thompson spoke exclusively to our news team Friday morning about his request for the Federal probe. He says the state has no hate crime statute for sexual orientation. McMillian was openly gay. The FBI is the only law enforcement body that could determine whether this murder meets the standard.

Thompson says the family asked for his help personally.

"Actually, my daughter went to college with Marco, so there's an even closer relationship with him, and a lot of people I know were familiar with his work. He worked in Washington for four years with his fraternity. He had quite a stellar career in his short life," Congressman Thompson says.

Family members say McMillian was beaten, dragged, and burned in late February, and his body was found near a Mississippi River levee. Friends of the accused, Lawrence Reed, say McMillian may have made unwanted sexual advances toward him. 

Copyright 2013 MSNewsNow. All rights reserved.