Hunter Elward, a former Mississippi police officer, has been handed a 20-year prison sentence for his involvement in the brutal abuse of two black men within their residence. This sentencing marks the beginning of a series of sentences for a total of six officers implicated in the incident.
In a shocking abuse of power in 2023, the officers unlawfully entered Michael Jenkins and Eddie Parker’s home without a warrant, subjecting them to physical beatings, electric shocks from stun guns, and sexual assault. The ordeal culminated in one victim being shot in the mouth.
All six officers admitted to federal civil rights violations in August, with Elward’s sentencing to be followed by Christian Dedmon, Brett McAlpin, Jerffrey Middleton, Daniel Opydke, and Joshua Hartfield. The charges they face include a wide range of serious offenses, potentially leading to many years in prison.
The perpetrators, identifying themselves as the ‘Goon Squad,’ were responding to a report of suspicious activity in Braxton, Rankin County. The victims endured several hours of violence, including being beaten, shocked, and racially insulted.
Elward’s act of shooting Mr. Jenkins in the mouth was part of a failed mock execution attempt, which severely injured Jenkins. Both victims have publicly called for severe punishment for the officers involved.
Additionally, three out of the six officers have confessed to another incident involving a 28-year-old white individual, though details remain sparse.
Investigations by leading news outlets have unveiled that the 2023 case is part of a long-standing pattern of aggressive and unlawful police behavior, with some officers linked to multiple violent incidents, including two fatalities.
In light of these events, Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey faces a separate legal battle in a $400 million lawsuit for his alleged negligence in training his officers. Bailey has sought dismissal of the lawsuit and has promised reforms within the department following the officers’ guilty pleas.
