Six former Mississippi law enforcement officers were sentenced to 15 to 45 years in prison on state charges for the racist torture and abuse of two Black men. The men, former Rankin County Sheriff’s deputies Brett Morris McAlpin, Christian Dedmon, Jeffrey Middleton, Hunter Elward, and Daniel Opdyke, along with former Richland police officer Joshua Hartfield, pleaded guilty to state charges in August. The officers had nicknamed themselves the “Goon Squad” for their use of excessive force. They physically abused Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker, assaulting them with stun guns, a sex toy, and even shooting Jenkins in the mouth in a mock execution.
The officers had responded to a call in January 2023, complaining that Jenkins and Parker were residing with a white woman in Braxton, Mississippi. Without a warrant, the men attacked the victims, verbally abusing them, forcing them to ingest liquids, and subjecting them to racial slurs. The attack escalated with Dedmon firing his gun twice, with Elward performing a mock execution by putting a gun in Jenkins’ mouth and pulling the trigger, causing severe injuries. The officers planned to cover up the attack and planted false drug charges on the victims, who were left bleeding and nearly killed.
In addition to their state charges, the men also pleaded guilty to federal charges and were sentenced to federal prison terms ranging from 10 to 40 years. At the sentencing, the victims’ statements were read, detailing the physical and emotional trauma they endured. Michael Jenkins described the brutal attack as the worst day of his life, where he was beaten, tased, insulted, and left nearly dead. He spoke of the physical and emotional impact, including the loss of vision that prevented him from playing drums at church due to being shot in the face. Eddie Parker expressed constant fear and trauma from the assault, feeling betrayed by those sworn to protect him.
The state sentences for the former law enforcement officers ranged from 15 to 45 years, with all ordered to pay restitution and surrender their law enforcement certificates. The men will serve their state sentences concurrently with their federal sentences. The attack on Jenkins and Parker was characterized by extreme brutality and racial animus, with the officers actively participating in the abuse and cover-up. The victims continue to struggle with the physical and emotional scars from the attack, facing ongoing fear, anxiety, and trauma from the actions of those who were supposed to protect them.
The officers’ actions were condemned by prosecutors and the court, who called out the extreme brutality and racism displayed during the attack. The officers’ use of excessive force and derogatory language towards the victims demonstrated a clear abuse of power and authority. The victims, Jenkins and Parker, spoke of their ongoing struggles with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and fear stemming from the horrific experience. The sentencing aimed to hold the former law enforcement officers accountable for their actions and provide some measure of justice for the victims who suffered at their hands.
The case of the six former Mississippi law enforcement officers highlights the deep-rooted issues of racism and abuse of power within the law enforcement system. The officers’ willingness to engage in cruel and inhumane treatment of Black men, as well as their attempts to cover up their actions, underscore the urgent need for reform and accountability within law enforcement agencies. The victims’ statements shed light on the lasting impact of police brutality and racial violence, emphasizing the importance of addressing systemic racism and promoting justice and equality for all. The sentencing of the officers serves as a step towards accountability and restitution for the victims, while also sending a message that such abuse of power will not be tolerated in society.
