PARIS, Tex. -- A controversial homicide in Paris, Texas, has drawn the attention of the New Black Panther Party. The group was in Paris on Monday. Rashi Vats explains why the party claims there is more to this murder than meets the eye.

The New Black Panther Party had their press conference outside in the rain to talk about the murder of Brandon McClelland. Charles Crostley and Shannon Keith Findley were arrested and charged in the death of 24-year-old Brandon McClelland, whose body was found on Lamar County Road on September 16. Both have been charged with murder.

Authorities say McClelland was the victim of a shooting and possibly a hit-and-run.

The New Black Panther Party claims that the investigation into McClelland’s death was not thorough, that the two men should be charged with a hate crime, and should be sentenced to life in prison or the death penalty.

Party representatives claim the crime was racially motivated.

"We are asking for an outside agency to come in and ensure that justice is served, either to the prosecutors of Mr. Charles Crostley and Shannon Keith Findley, who have been accused of this hate crime,” New Black Panther Party member Derick Brown told us.

Party officials say they met with Lamar County District Attorney Gary Young on Monday. Young did not want to comment on camera, but did tell us that his office is still investigating and that he had a good conversation with the New Black Panther Party.

The investigation is still ongoing, and the New Black Panthers say they will be holding a rally later this month.