Former Mississippi law enforcement officers plead guilty to charges related to the torture of two Black men
Six former law enforcement officers in Mississippi have pleaded guilty to charges connected to the torture of two Black men, according to US Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi Darren LaMarca. The announcement came during a news conference on Thursday after federal charges were filed against the former officers. The charging document revealed that the officers referred to themselves as “The Goon Squad” due to their willingness to use excessive force and not report it.
The charges include conspiracy against rights, deprivation of rights under color of law, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and obstruction of justice, as stated in online federal court records. Among the officers, former Rankin County Sheriff’s Department deputy Hunter Elward faces the most serious charge of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. The other officers charged are Brett McAlpin, Jeffrey Middleton, Christian Dedmon, Daniel Opdyke, and Joshua Hartfield.
The incident occurred on January 24 in Braxton, Mississippi, just southeast of Jackson. It came to light after the two victims, Michael Jenkins and Eddie Parker, filed a federal civil lawsuit. Many of the claims made in the lawsuit were reflected in the federal charging document. Jenkins and Parker, who are Black, allege that six White law enforcement officers entered their home and subjected them to torture for nearly two hours, with Jenkins being shot in the mouth.
Malik Shabazz, the lead attorney for the victims, expressed gratitude towards the United States Department of Justice for the legal results achieved against the former officers. Shabazz described the case as malicious, sadistic, and egregious, stating that he and his experienced colleagues had never encountered such a situation before. Eddie Parker, one of the victims, emphasized the importance of justice, stating that he sees himself as no different from the officers, whether they are in uniform or not.
CNN’s Pamela Kirkland contributed to this report.
In what ways do the admissions of guilt in this case contribute to the ongoing efforts to address racial bias within law enforcement agencies in the United States
Six former law enforcement officers in Mississippi have admitted their guilt in relation to the tortured treatment of two African American men, reports the US Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi.
The former officers, whose identities have not been disclosed, entered guilty pleas on charges connected to the horrific abuse inflicted on two Black men. The details of the offenses have not been disclosed in the article.
The US Attorney’s office has not provided further information regarding the specific charges or the context of the incidents. It is unclear when and where the torture took place and whether there were any other individuals involved.
The shocking case underscores the need for comprehensive police reforms and highlights the persistent issue of systemic racism within law enforcement agencies. The plea of guilty from these former officers emphasizes the urgent need for accountability and justice in cases of police brutality.
This case also reaffirms the importance of ongoing efforts to address racial bias within law enforcement agencies across the United States. The incidents in Mississippi serve as a reminder that the fight against racial injustice is far from over, and institutional changes are necessary to create a more equitable and just society.
This is a disappointing reminder that structural racism continues to persist within law enforcement agencies across the country. These officers must be held accountable for their actions. #BlackLivesMatter
It’s not enough for these officers to just plead guilty, they need to face the consequences of their horrific actions. Justice must be served for the victims in this case. #EndPoliceBrutality