Widespread skepticism about Richardson’s death underscores deep-seated distrust of local law enforcement in Colbert County. A spokesperson for the FBI’s field office in Birmingham confirmed the FBI is aware of Dennoriss Richardson’s death and is reviewing the allegations of criminal misconduct. Marvin Long, a 57-year-old Black man and lifelong Colbert County resident, knew Dennoriss Richardson’s family well growing up. He shares the skepticism about the suicide ruling and said Richardson’s death has intensified his fear of retaliation. Dennoriss Richardson pleaded guilty to drug possession in 2006 and was sentenced to five years in prison.

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Persons: Dennoriss Richardson, Leigh Richardson, didn’t, Sheriff Eric Balentine, ” Balentine, Dennoriss, Tori Bailey, Bailey, ” Bailey, Marvin Long, ” Long, “ I’m, Long, Richardson, Roderick Van Daniel, ” Van Daniel, ”, Balentine, “, ” Richardson, Sheffield Mayor Steve Stanley, Stanley, ” Stanley, Richardson’s, Van Daniel, Richardson “ Organizations: Alabama AP, FBI, Sheriff’s, Sheriff, NAACP, Equal, Initiative, Sheffield Police, “, Sheffield, The Sheffield Police Department, Sheffield Mayor, Sheffield Police Department, International Association for Suicide Prevention, Befrienders Locations: Montgomery, Alabama, Colbert County, Sheffield, Tennessee, The Colbert, Birmingham, Colbert