Braxton, Mississippi – A former police officer in Mississippi has been handed a 40-year prison sentence for his involvement in the brutal torture of two black men. Christian Dedmon, along with five other officers, was convicted of assaulting Michael Jenkins and Eddie Parker in January 2023.
The victims were subject to beatings, stun gun shocks, and sexual assault during the incident. Jenkins, in a statement attributed to his lawyer during the trial, described Dedmon as the “most wicked” of the attackers. Dedmon was accused of planting drugs on Jenkins in an attempt to frame him, leaving Jenkins with lasting speech difficulties after being shot in the mouth during a mock execution.
The officers, self-identifying as the “Goon Squad,” responded to a call without a warrant, where they handcuffed, beat, and subjected Jenkins and Parker to racial slurs for an hour and a half. U.S. District Judge Tom Lee labeled Dedmon’s actions as among the most “shocking, brutal, and cruel attacks imaginable.”
In a separate hearing, Daniel Opdyke received a 17.5-year sentence for his role in the assault. The remaining two ex-officers, Brett McAlpin and Joshua Hartfield, are scheduled to be sentenced the following day.
The group, comprising former Rankin County sheriff deputies and a Richland police officer, pleaded guilty to multiple federal civil rights violations. Charges included conspiracy against rights, obstruction of justice, and depriving rights under the color of law.
Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey, the officers’ former employer, faces a $400 million lawsuit for alleged negligence in training the officers. Dedmon’s family was visibly affected during the trial, with Dedmon expressing regret for his actions, though he did not directly address the victims. Opdyke, showing remorse, acknowledged the harm caused and expressed deep regret for his participation in the assault.