Grinnell College cancels classes after DCI IDs Black man's body found in burning ditch

[TexasTowelie]

KELLOGG, Iowa — Authorities have identified a man whose body was found last week in a burning ditch in rural central Iowa.

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation said the body is that of Michael Williams, 44, of Grinnell. His body was found after authorities were called around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday for a fire in a ditch near Kellogg. Officials responded and quickly extinguished the flames, then found Williams’ body.

Police have not given information on how Williams died, but have declared his death a homicide.

Grinnell College canceled classes Monday in light of the Williams’ death, noting that some people in the community fear Williams, who is Black, may have been targeted because of his race.

“This stark and brutal murder in the national context of racial injustice has struck intense fear for safety of our Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) colleagues, friends, and families,” Grinnell College President Anne Harris wrote in a statement.

https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/public-safety/iowa-dci-id-black-man-body-burning-ditch-grinnell-20200921
(Cedar Rapids Gazette)
no more at link

[brush]

1. The body must've been found on the Grinnell campus. The article doesn't make that clear.

Thinks are dangerous out there for too many people.

[pnwmom]

2. He was a "member of the Grinnell community."

https://www.grinnell.edu/messages/classes-canceled-sept-21

As you may know a resident of the city of Grinnell was murdered last week. His name was Michael Williams, and he was a Black member of the Grinnell community. This stark and brutal murder in the national context of racial injustice has struck intense fear for safety of our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) colleagues, friends, and families. National context has become local experience. The investigation is underway to bring justice to Mr. Williams and his family.

[DallasNE]

3. Sounds Like An Empowered KKK Hit To Me. N/T

[pnwmom]

4. There is more information in this college publication.

http://www.thesandb.com/article/breaking-classes-canceled-monday-sept-21-in-wake-of-michael-williams-death.html