‘We won’t stop:’ Residents push back against rehiring of deputy cleared in teen’s hanging death

ST. FRANCIS CO., Ark. (WMC) - The sheriff of St. Francis County is facing backlash over the rehiring of one of his deputies.

St. Francis County Sheriff Bobby May addressed the controversial rehiring of Deputy Alvin “Trey” Bynum at the county courthouse Wednesday.

The sheriff was met by several outraged residents who questioned the deputy’s involvement in the death of 15-year-old Tripp Brazeale.

Back in November 2024, Brazeale was found dead less than two days after he was last seen fleeing from law enforcement on a four-wheeler.

His death was ruled a suicide.

Brazeale’s family said the teen previously had run-ins with Deputy Bynum, who they said would chase him.

“Shaking like a leaf, terrified... And I was like, ‘What’s the matter with you, Tripp?’ And, he said, ‘That cop, he’s gonna kill me if he catches me,’” said Sandra Davis, one of Brazeale’s family members.

Brazeale’s family said he was not suicidal.

“Tripp was not suicidal. He was the brightest, most full-spirited kid you have ever met in your entire life,” said Bridget Jumper.

Sheriff May said Bynum was cleared of any wrongdoing by the Arkansas State Police, who investigated after Brazeale’s death.

May also handed out copies of the report after the press conference Wednesday.

“[They’re] saying that Trey Bynum got out of his police car, chased [Brazeale] down, found some kind of rope or something, and hung the boy? Now, how ridiculous and absurd can you get?” said May.

Residents and Brazeale’s family members say there was no transparency from the sheriff on the case, and they were left with more questions than answers.

“We will continue, we won’t stop until [Bynum] does not work for our department anymore, and the case is reopened,” a resident shouted at Sheriff May.

Bynum did speak during Wednesday’s press conference and answered questions.

“I have received death threats and other threats from family, friends and everyone else for the last two years, almost, and it is ridiculous,” he said.

Bynum said he left the sheriff’s office to work for the Marion Police Department to protect his family, but he was fired last month after city officials said they found discrepancies in his work history.

May explained his decision to rehire Bynum.

“Trey Bynum: a good guy. A decent, good man who has been persecuted beyond persecution by liars,” said May.

Bynum is scheduled to start back at the St. Francis Sheriff’s Office on Thursday.

Brazeale’s family said there are still too many unanswered questions, including why Bynum’s body camera was turned off for a period of time and why witness statements made to ASP don’t match up.

“We won’t stop until there’s justice,” said Jumper.

Click here to sign up for our newsletter!

Click here to report a spelling or grammar error. Please include the headline.