Former Mississippi police officer Christian Dedmon has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for his role in the brutal torture of two black men in a house. This incident took place on January 24, 2023, and Dedmon is one of six officers convicted over the assault.
The victims, Michael Jenkins and Eddie Parker, were subjected to horrific abuse at the hands of these officers. They were beaten, shocked with stun guns, and even sexually assaulted. Mr. Jenkins, who still struggles to speak after being shot in the mouth during the ordeal, described Dedmon as the “most wicked” assailant.
The officers had entered the house without a warrant, claiming they were responding to a call about suspicious behavior involving black men staying at a white woman’s home. US District Judge Tom Lee condemned Dedmon’s actions as “shocking, brutal, and cruel attacks.”
Dedmon’s family was present in court during the sentencing, where he apologized without directly addressing the victims. Another ex-officer involved, Daniel Opdyke, was sentenced to 17.5 years before Dedmon. Opdyke expressed remorse for his actions and wept during his sentencing.
The group of officers, who referred to themselves as the Goon Squad, comprised five former Rankin County sheriff deputies and one Richland police officer, all of whom were white. They pleaded guilty to federal civil rights offenses, including conspiracy against rights, obstruction of justice, and deprivation of rights under the color of law.
In total, three other former officers received sentences totaling over 54 years for their roles in the assault. The severity of the sentences reflects the gravity of the crimes committed by these individuals.
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