Vigil held for young man Kyle Bassinga found dead in Marietta's Fair Oaks Park

COBB COUNTY, Ga. – A metro Atlanta nonprofit gathered Tuesday to pray for 21-year-old Kyle Bassinga, whose body was discovered last week in a wooded area of Fair Oaks Park in Marietta.

Bassinga was found hanging from a tree, a detail that has sparked fear and widespread speculation across social media, including claims that he may have been lynched.

On Monday afternoon, Cobb County leaders and police held a news conference to address community concerns.

“Mr. Bassinga is a young man of 21 years who was found in a horrific manner hanging from a tree,” Cobb County Chairwoman Lisa Cupid said. “This is a violent manner that has caused many to think of the days of slavery and of Jim Crow, and this type of violence shown toward African Americans, particularly men. It has caused many to respond with great disbelief.”

Cupid urged residents to allow investigators time to complete their work and to remain sensitive to the impact on the family and the broader community.

“I’m asking for some sensitivity for all as we understand the sensitivity of what has occurred,” she said. “I appreciate the heart that our community has — not only as a chairwoman, but as a mom of two young Black men. I’m asking them to also appreciate the process our men and women in law enforcement need to bring clarity to everyone.”

A candlelight vigil was scheduled for Tuesday evening at Fair Oaks Park as the investigation continues. While authorities have issued a preliminary ruling of suicide, some community members — along with leaders from the New Order National Human Rights Organization — are calling for greater transparency.

Cobb County Police Chief Dan Ferrell said detectives reviewed surveillance video and interviewed witnesses. According to investigators, the evidence indicates Bassinga entered the wooded area alone, and no signs of foul play have been found.

“Our community deserves honest communication, but they also deserve factual information,” Ferrell said. “Transparency has to be balanced with investigative integrity and respect for a family.”

Ferrell explained that certain details have not yet been released because investigators want to first speak directly with Bassinga’s family, including a relative traveling from outside the country.

“Out of respect, it would be inappropriate for the police department to share sensitive facts publicly about this case before speaking with the family directly,” Ferrell said. “I understand that when information is limited, speculation grows, and social media commentary can amplify uncertainty. But our responsibility is to follow the evidence and communicate verified facts.”

He emphasized that the department’s focus remains on determining exactly what happened.

“We lost the life of a young man, and any time that happens, it is a tragedy,” Ferrell said. “We want to find out the truth, gather the facts, and provide that to the family and the community so there’s no confusion.”

Leaders with the New Order National Human Rights Organization said they plan to address Cobb County commissioners at a board meeting Tuesday night.

The Cobb County Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting an autopsy and toxicology testing. Police said additional information will be released after investigators meet with the family.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available by calling or texting 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.