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The Late Robert Lee Clay, Prominent African American Contractor. The IG Report does NOT conclude that he committed suicide, but rather points to murder.

By Doni M. Glover, www.bmorenews.com

(BALTIMORE – June 25, 2012) -  Most readers of this column know that I was born and raised in Baltimore in 1965. Some of my first memories were around 1968 when National Guard soldiers were on our front – the front of my dad’s funeral home in East Baltimore.

So, as a journalist from this city, I have seen a lot in the black community. Some has changed. Some remains the same. What stands out the most – as I peer back some 47 years, is that every now and then you meet a person who you will never forget. Their indelible impression is something you have never met … and will never meet again.

Such was Robert Lee Clay. Originally from Laurel, Clay was a powerful black businessman. He was a fearless contractor who, without hesitation, took on the establishment – often speaking up for black people as it relates to blacks in Baltimore City getting a fair share of the government-related construction contracts.

Sure he fought for himself. He was supposed to. I like, though, how he also fought for the rest of us. In a day and time when it’s hard to find an image of a strong black man – you know, a real thorough dude – he was a sight for sore eyes.

One of my fondest memories was seeing a picture from him back in the 70s – I believe – picketing in front of City Hall in one of those full-length plaid ‘chumpies’ from back in the day.

I’ll also never forget the day he died. A part of me and so many other people died, too. I know he wasn’t a saint; however, he was a fine example of a person who loved his people enough to fight on their behalf… like it or not! I cried like a baby that day. I couldn’t believe it. A part of our history was gone. A part of black Maryland was snuffed out. A sort of hero he was to some of us – regardless of the opinions of naysayers and what have you.

The thing that has troubled me and countless others since Clay’s untimely death at the age of 58 – this was in 2005 – is how Clay reportedly died: Suicide.

Those of us who knew him find that to be unbelievable. It doesn’t fit his personality. It’s the last thing one would think about Clay – despite any challenges. ‘Anybody but him’ – many of us believe.

And so, I had the opportunity to read a critical report: “City of Baltimore Office of Inspector General: IG 091289-100 INVESTIGATIVE REPORT ROBERT LEE CLAY.” Hilton L. Green, then-Inspector General, was the author. It was completed on April 21, 2009.

In the report, is the Post Mortem Examination from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Maryland, Autopsy Case No.05-3396. Here’s what stood out to me:

#1. Among pertinent information, other than the check mark next to ‘suicide’ as ‘cause of death’, is that the gunshot was to the left side of the head. Ironically, Clay was right handed;

#2. The report contains a photo of Clay’s body found at the scene with his feet resting on the second step; the rest of his body was on the ground laid out flat. Such a suicide done on the steps would be very rare – according to information in the report;

#3. Clay reported to those close to him that he was receiving death threats as late as the Thursday before the Monday he was killed; and

#4. The gun found at the scene was stolen from Frederick, Maryland several years ago. Further, no one questioned knew of the gun.

Further, Clay was found with hundreds of dollars in his pocket. And, being the meticulous man he was, would he actually kill himself right where he knew his daughter would likely be the first to find him?

Additionally, there was nothing in the report that suggested financial or health concerns.

If there is any commentary I would add, it would be that the Baltimore City Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation clearly did not do their best work on this investigation. Actually, it was of the poorest quality because several people – including family - were never interviewed by police or the FBI. A man of Robert Lee Clay’s stature – a man who did so much for so many people in this state – was unfortunately treated less than. Sadly, it is too common that prominent blacks get less-than investigations in a majority black city where several blacks in power have the ability to actually help improve the conditions for black people - as Clay tried to do.

May Robert Lee Clay rest knowing at least that those who loved him have – after a lengthy wait – no reason whatsoever to believe he killed himself. Hell, they still haven’t even found the bullet.

Tags: african americans, baltimore city police department, contractor, federal bureau of investigation, hilton l. green, inspector general, robert lee clay, suicide or murder