In a significant case of police brutality and racism, six former officers from Mississippi have been sentenced to a total of over 130 years in federal prison for the torture of two Black men in January 2023. The men, identified as Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker, were subjected to hours of racist abuse and physical torture by a group of white officers, dubbed “the Goon Squad,” in an incident that began following a report by a neighbor of the men being with a white woman.

The abuse included the use of stun guns, a sex toy, and a gunshot to the mouth, with the former officers admitting to a series of despicable acts including waterboarding and assault. The most severe sentence of 40 years was handed to Christian Dedmon, who was depicted as the most aggressive participant in the abuse. Other sentences ranged from nearly 20 years to just over 10 years, with Joshua Hartfield receiving the latter for attempting to destroy evidence of the crime.

US District Judge Tom Lee and US Attorney General Merrick B Garland both condemned the actions of the former officers, highlighting the egregious nature of the assault and the importance of accountability for such violations of constitutional rights. The victims have also filed a federal civil rights lawsuit in response to their ordeal.

The events have sparked widespread outrage and discussions about racism and brutality within law enforcement. The former officers involved in the incident have all pleaded guilty to their roles in the attack, with some expressing remorse for their actions. Nonetheless, the impact on the victims remains significant, with one stating that the crime would haunt him forever.