Jackson, Mississippi – Former Mississippi deputies faced justice as a federal judge sentenced them for their involvement in a horrifying case of racially motivated torture of two Black men. Christian Dedmon, 29, received a 40-year prison sentence, while Daniel Opdyke, 28, was sentenced to 17.5 years by U.S. District Judge Tom Lee. The judge condemned their actions as “shocking, brutal, and cruel.”
The attack, committed by six white officers, involved breaking into a home and subjecting the Black men, Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker, to a series of violent acts. Dedmon, the most aggressive of the group, expressed remorse during the sentencing but did not directly face the victims. Jenkins, despite difficulties in speaking due to injuries sustained during the attack, conveyed the severity of Dedmon’s actions through a statement read by his lawyer.
These former officers, who referred to themselves as the “Goon Squad,” have all pleaded guilty to their involvement in the attack, admitting to breaking into a home without a warrant and inflicting violence on Jenkins and Parker. The Judge also handed down sentences to other defendants involved in the case, highlighting the egregious nature of their actions.
The terror unleashed by the officers on the victims included racial slurs, physical assaults, and even a mock execution. The victims endured unimaginable pain and suffering at the hands of those sworn to protect them. The officers also attempted to cover up their heinous acts by planting drugs and concocting false charges against Jenkins and Parker.
The case shed light on a culture of misconduct within the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, implicating those in positions of authority. The former officers’ shameful acts not only harmed the victims but also eroded trust in law enforcement in the community. The victims, Jenkins and Parker, have sought justice through legal avenues, filing a civil lawsuit against the department and calling for accountability from Sheriff Bryan Bailey.
This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding justice and integrity within law enforcement. The victims’ courage in seeking accountability for the atrocities committed against them is commendable, as they continue to navigate the aftermath of the traumatic events. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community awaits to see if meaningful changes will be implemented to prevent such atrocities from happening again.