Jackson, Mississippi – Two Black men, Eddie Parker and Michael Jenkins, endured months of violence and torture at the hands of six White law enforcement officers in Rankin County. Jenkins was shot in the mouth, culminating in a traumatic experience for both men. Now, over a year later, justice may finally be served as the officers are set to be sentenced in federal court this week.
The details of the incident came to light after Parker and Jenkins filed a federal civil rights lawsuit, which was later supported by federal prosecutors as the six officers pleaded guilty to felonies related to the abuse. The men, along with their attorney Malik Shabazz, emphasized the importance of accountability in cases of police brutality, not only in Mississippi but across the nation.
During a news conference in Jackson, Parker, Jenkins, and their families highlighted the impact of the officers’ actions, which they believe were motivated by race. The former officers were known as “The Goon Squad,” a group willing to use excessive force without accountability, according to federal prosecutors.
The sentencing of the officers is being closely watched, with prosecutors seeking maximum sentences for their crimes. The case is significant, as it marks a rare instance of six police officers pleading guilty simultaneously in the United States. Shabazz stressed the historical importance of the pending sentences and the need for justice to be served.
Despite ongoing civil rights litigation and unresolved issues, the attorneys for Parker and Jenkins are pushing for a thorough investigation into misconduct within the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department. They believe that the problems extend beyond the six officers facing sentencing, indicating a deeper systemic issue within the department.
The former officers face additional charges related to another incident in December 2022, further highlighting their pattern of misconduct. The community, along with advocates like Angela English from the NAACP, are urging for maximum sentences to set a precedent for accountability and justice. As the trial proceeds, the outcome will not only impact the victims but also serve as a reflection of the justice system’s approach to cases of police misconduct.