CLARKSDALE, MS (abc24.com) - The mother of a murdered Mississippi mayoral candidate is talking about her son's sexuality.
Patricia McMillian told CNN her son Marco was not openly gay. It's important because friends of Lawrence Reed, the suspect, told ABC 24 News a late-night encounter between McMillian and Reed may have caused Reed to snap.
"He did not announce in public that he was gay," Patricia McMillian told CNN. "I don't think he was attacked because he was gay."
On Thursday afternoon, Reed was charged in McMillian's murder.
McMillian's body was found in a field on Tuesday. Investigators were led there after they say Reed crashed McMillian's SUV.
Friends say Reed and McMillian met at a Clarksdale bar a few weeks ago, and the two became fast friends. The same friends say the two were supposed to go to a party together on Monday night in the nearby town of Walls.
Next thing anyone knew, the friends say Reed's girlfriend received a call from Reed.
"She said she was listening to everything that was going on, how the guy was trying to get Lawrence to have a homosexual activity," Derric Crump, Reed's friend said.
McMillian's friends say they doubt that's what led to murder
"He was such, such a beautiful person. I mean he did not deserve it. Really didn't." said Tamara Moore, a longtime friend of McMillian.
Reed continues to be treated for injuries he suffered in Tuesday's car accident. He's listed in good condition at The Med. He is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Monday morning.
Sources say McMillian's autopsy could be released sometime Friday.
