LogFAQs > #979451868

First of 6 Mississippi ex-officers sentenced to 20 years for torturing 2 Black men: Im so sorry I hate myself for it

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https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/19/us/mississippi-black-men-police-torture-sentencing-tuesday/index.html

Hunter Elward, a former Mississippi sheriffs deputy who faced the most serious of federal charges against him and five other officers in the torture of two Black men last year, was sentenced to 20 years in priso nin a highly emotional hearing Tuesday.

He pleaded guilty in August to federal charges of discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy against rights, deprivation of rights under color of law, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and obstruction of justice related to the January 2023 incident.

n a lawsuit, the victims Michael Jenkins and Eddie Parker alleged the officers illegally entered their home and handcuffed, kicked, waterboarded and tased them and attempted to sexually assault them over nearly two hours before one of the deputies put a gun in Jenkins mouth and shot him.

Some of the officers called themselves The Goon Squad because of their willingness to use excessive force and not report it, federal prosecutors said.
Elward addressed the victims directly in court during his sentencing hearing.

Im so sorry, the disgraced former officer said. I dont want to get too personal with you, Michael. Theres no telling what youve seen. Im so sorry that I caused that. I hate myself for it. I hate that I gave you that. I accept all responsibility.

Jenkins nodded. Parker stood up and replied: We forgive you, man.

I fear I will be attacked again and even killed

Elward was sentenced in Jackson before Southern District of Mississippi US District Court Judge Tom Lee.

Elward also pleaded guilty in August to state charges of conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice, home invasion and aggravated assault. He awaits sentencing on the state charges.

During a victims impact statement read by his attorney, Parker said he believes the crime will haunt him forever.

The very bad actions of the Rankin County Goon Squad severely impacted me and left a scar on me forever, Parkers statement said, as read by attorney Malik Shabazz. I dont know if I will ever be able to sleep at night. I fear I will be attacked again and even killed.

Shabazz also read a statement from Jenkins, who said, I dont think Ill ever be the person I was.