Marco McMillian, Openly Gay Mayoral Candidate, Found Dead

Marco McMillian, an openly gay African American Clarksdale, Miss., mayoral candidate, was allegedly murdered by 22-year-old Lawrence Reed on Tuesday. He was 34.

Reed was arrested on Thursday and charged with McMillian’s murder. The body of the well-known up-and-coming politician was discovered near the Mississippi River levee on Wednesday morning, according to Coahoma County Coroner Scotty Meredith, reported ABC News. Although the circumstances might cast suspicion on the murder being politically motivated or a hate crime, McMillian’s campaign spokesman Jarod Keith told ABC News Radio that they did not think that was the case.

Reed, the suspect in the murder, was allegedly behind the wheel of McMillian’s SUV when it collided with another vehicle Tuesday morning, according to the Clarksdale Press Register. Coahoma County Sheriff’s Department’s Will Rooker has not revealed a motive in the case, or what the relationship was between McMillian and Reed. Reed, who had been in critical condition on Tuesday, gave authorities the rough location of McMillian’s body.

“Words cannot describe our grief at the loss of our dear friend, Marco McMillian,” said Keith in an email on behalf of McMillian’s campaign. “The shocking news of Marco’s death is beyond difficult for us to process. We remember Marco as a bold and passionate public servant, whose faith informed every aspect of his life. Tragically, that life has been cut short. At this time of loss, we ask that you keep Marco’s family and friends in your prayers.”

McMillian’s death has inspired an outpouring of support from people on Twitter. One notable tweet was from the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, which endorses openly LGBT political candidates. “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Marco McMillian, one of the 1st viable openly #LGBT candidates in Mississippi,” the statement read.

No further information on the case against Reed is available at this time.