A former deputy from the Mississippi sheriff’s department has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for torturing two African American men, an act that has sparked outrage and calls for justice. The brutality was initiated by a group of deputies known as “The Goon Squad,” all of whom are undergoing criminal trials in Mississippi.
Origin of the Incident
In January 2023, A complaint was received by Deputy Brett McAlpin of Rankin County from an individual who was concerned about the presence of two African American men at a residence with a white woman in Braxton, Mississippi. This information was relayed by McAlpin to Deputy Christian Dedmon, who then notified a group of deputies known for their readiness to employ excessive force, self-dubbed “The Goon Squad.”
Crimes of Racism and Torture
The officers, responding to the racially charged complaint, illegally entered the home and subjected Jenkins and Parker to extreme physical abuse including the use of stun guns and a mock execution. They additionally handcuffed the victims, assaulted them with liquids, and subjected them to racial slurs and physical torture.
Victims Demand Justice
Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker, the two men who endured abusive treatment at the hands of former deputy Hunter Elward, made a poignant plea to the federal court. They asked for the maximum possible penalties for the six officers who inflicted racially motivated violence upon them.
A Harsh Verdict
U.S. District Judge Tom Lee sentenced Elward to a 241-month prison term. This decision is part of a broader case that includes five other former officers, all awaiting sentencing for their roles in the violence.
Judge Calls Defendant’s Actions “Egregious and Despicable”
In stating his decision, Judge Lee’s deemed Elward’s actions “egregious and despicable.” He then stated that the victims’ request for a “sentence at the top of the guidelines range is justified — is more than justified. It’s what the defendant deserves. It’s what the community and the defendant’s victims deserve.”
Seeking the Stiffest Sentences
During a press conference, Jenkins and Parker called for severe punishment for their assailants. They shared the ongoing physical and emotional challenges they face as a result of the abuse.
National Implications
The attorney for the victims, Malik Shabazz, highlighted the significance of the sentencing. He argued that it should serve as a deterrent to police misconduct nationwide, emphasizing the need for a strong judicial response to such egregious acts.
A Pattern of Violence
Investigations revealed that the involved deputies had a history of violent encounters with African Americans, resulting in deaths and serious injuries. This pattern underscores a deep-seated issue within the department at the time of the incident in 2023.
Legal Consequences
The officers in the “Goon Squad” have pleaded guilty to a range of federal crimes and face substantial sentences and fines. This reflects the seriousness with which the justice system is treating their actions.
Echoes of the Past
This case has revived painful memories of Mississippi’s history of racial violence. The brutality inflicted by the officers is reminiscent of some of the darkest chapters in the state’s past.
Calls for Accountability
In light of these events, there have been demands for systemic changes within the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department. Jenkins and Parker have also called for the resignation of Sheriff Bryan Bailey, holding him accountable for the actions of his deputies.
Legal and Civil Repercussions
Besides criminal proceedings, Jenkins and Parker have initiated a $400 million civil lawsuit against the department. This legal action seeks reparations for the suffering they have endured.
A Community’s Response
The sentencing has sparked a broader conversation about race, justice, and law enforcement in Mississippi. As the community grapples with the aftermath of these events, the focus remains on ensuring justice for Jenkins and Parker and safeguarding citizens from unfair and abusive treatment.
