More than six months after her son’s remains were found at a property in Smith County, Tiffany Carter still has no answers for what happened the day her son disappeared.
Rasheem Carter was last seen Oct. 1 in Taylorsville. His family reported him missing the following day. A month later, skeletal remains were found on a property near Taylorsville and identified as those of the missing 25-year-old from Fayette.
After months of examining his remains, the state medical examiner’s office noted on Feb. 2 that it was unable to determine a cause of death, according to a statement issued in March by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, which is assisting Smith County Sheriff’s Department in its investigation into Rasheem Carter’s death.
“MBI has assisted local law enforcement in conducting interviews, investigating the area where the remains were found and investigating tips to help determine the last known whereabouts of Mr. Carter,” MBI said in its statement. “Based solely upon the condition of the remains, there was no means by which a cause of death could be reasonably determined by the medical examiner’s office. However, MBI and the Smith County Sheriff’s Department are actively continuing their investigation into the death of Mr. Carter.”
The MBI said it could not provide any additional details while the investigation remains ongoing.
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The lack of information is creating more frustration and heartache for Rasheem Carter’s family, civil rights attorney Ben Crump said in an April 26 news release.
“The family of Rasheem Carter, while still deep in grief, is being denied adequate information and closure from the Mississippi officials overseeing this case,” Crump said. “From the beginning of this case, the family has been misled.
“At first, when the first of Rasheem’s remains were discovered with his head decapitated from his body, officials told the family that it was animals that killed Rasheem. Then, officials admitted that they believed he was murdered.”
On Feb. 23, Tiffany Carter received an email telling her for a third time that more of her son’s remains were found.
“It is unacceptable that the family had to find out through an email that more of Rasheem’s remains were found,” Crump said. “And still, they haven’t been told any other information, been offered a meeting with officials or received his remains.
“They continue to be stonewalled at every turn. This family just wants to find out what happened to Rasheem and say their goodbyes.”
Hundreds of Carter family supporters came from across the country Saturday to voice their concerns and demand action and justice for Rasheem Carter.
Bishop Yawasap Israel, a leader of Israel United in Christ, whose group members attended the protest and led a march from the Taylorsville SportsPlex to the town’s police department, said people of color can make their voices heard by working together.
“Many of our brothers and sisters are still missing as of this day,” Israel said. “When my sister Tiffany (Carter) feels pain, we feel pain.”
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Israel said the nonviolent group encourages faith and belief in God and the Bible as a means to combat injustice.
“When we organize up under the auspices of the Bible, that’s when things come together and people need to see that,” Israel said.
Tiffany Carter said she would not be able to continue to fight for justice for her son if not for her faith in God. She hopes her courage will inspire others to move forward.
“My strength comes from the Lord,” she said. “It ain’t no strength of mine. God gives me the strength to fight it. The strength that people see in me is for them to see so they can get through what they go through.”
Tiffany Carter said she is grateful to have the support of groups like Israel United in Christ and the New Black Panther Party, which also attended the protest.
“It really means a lot to me,” she said. “It’s really not about how many people show up. It’s about the unity, the strength. It’s about us standing for what’s right. It doesn’t matter what race you are. What’s right is what’s right. I’m honored to be here. I’m honored to see all the sisters and brothers here supporting us and supporting our families.
“To get something done, we’ve got to have involvement. We’ve got to have people that will fight, regardless of what the situation is.”
Rasheem Carter was a young entrepreneur, who earned a degree from Hinds County Community College. He owned and operated Cali’s Express, a restaurant named after his daughter, Cali.
How to help
Anyone who may have any information is asked to submit a tip to [email protected].
To contribute to Tiffany Carter’s ongoing fundraiser, visit gofundme.com/f/seek-justice-for-rasheem.
