JONESBORO, AR (abc24.com) - Jonesboro Police say they have new evidence in the investigation into how a hand-cuffed Southaven man died in the back seat of a police car.
Police Chief Michael Yates wouldn't specify the new evidence, only to say it would change the public perception of the on-going investigation.
Jonesboro Police launched an investigation after Chavis Carter, 21, was found dead in the back of a police car following a traffic stop on July 28th.
On Monday, the Arkansas State Crime Lab said Carter shot himself in the right temple. The medical examiner ruled his death a suicide.
Yates says the investigation into how Carter was able to conceal a gun remains ongoing.
Residents packed a City Council meeting on Tuesday night.
During the public comments portion of the meeting, several residents spoke in support of Chief Yates. After one speaker, most of the crowd rose in a standing ovation.
"The entire police department and even the city of Jonesboro, have been so verbally assaulted," one resident said.
"For whatever the reason is, it happened, and we are hurt and we have questions," another said.
Yates said he and his investigators were still working on gathering evidence but hoped to release more details as early as Wednesday.
Also Wednesday, lawyers representing Carter's family say they'll hold a joint news conference with Rev. Jesse Jackson at 11 a.m. at Monumental Baptist Church.
"Personally I think a lot of prayer is the only thing that is going to stop this, because this is out of control," said Leslie Bennett, a Jonesboro resident.
