Mississippi police are asking for patience as they await autopsy results for a Black student found hanging from a tree at Delta State University, acknowledging that the case has ignited strong emotions in a state with a history of racist violence.

Campus Police Chief Michael Peeler released little new information about the investigation at a news conference on Wednesday, calling it an “isolated incident” and insisting there were no active threats to students and faculty.

“Out of respect for those grieving, we ask for continued patience and compassion as this investigation proceeds,” Peeler told reporters at the Delta State campus in Cleveland, Mississippi.

The chief state medical examiner was conducting an autopsy Wednesday, and Peeler promised that preliminary findings would be revealed once they’re available — likely in a day or two.

Peeler said the evidence in the case includes video footage, but declined to specify what it shows and where it originated, citing the active investigation that police and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation are assisting with.

He previously said on Monday, hours after the 21-year-old student’s body was discovered, that police saw no signs of foul play.

"We just ask that you continue just to lift us up in your prayers. We thank you, and God bless each and every one of you," said Stacy Starling, who identified herself as the deceased student's aunt.

For some Black students on campus, the death has created fear. They said they have avoided going outside late at night, and are dubious about how the investigation is being conducted.

"As a community, as a Black community like you know it's been — everybody's upset right now," said Marquon McKinney, a Delta State University freshman: Like they're just trying to downplay the situation, you know. "It's a lot of emotions going on."

AP Video by Sophie Bates