A lot of hangings are accidental while participating in auto erotica. Since it was behind his house it is more likely self imposed. If he was lynched, I suspect it would be in a more public place. Just my thoughts based on experience. No need for the feebies.
But the truth is besides the point. The objective here is to report a possible race crime so as to lend to the narrative.
When found to be a suicide it'll be buried in the local paper.
They don't usually happen a half mile into the woods in the winter and hanging from a tree do they?