Title: Six Former Mississippi Law Officers Plead Guilty in Racist Torture Case
In a shocking turn of events, six former Mississippi law officers have recently pleaded guilty to state charges for their involvement in a racist assault against two Black men. These officers, who had already admitted their guilt in a connected federal civil rights case, have now faced further consequences for their actions.
The crimes committed by these officers have brought to light the dark history and ongoing racial tensions in Mississippi. The state, known for the infamous 1964 killing of three civil rights workers, has yet again been reminded of its troubled past.
The officers involved in this case had a nickname for themselves: the “Goon Squad.” This name reflects their willingness to use excessive force and cover up their attacks. In January, they entered a house without a warrant and subjected two Black men, Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker, to a 90-minute torture session, during which racial slurs were continuously directed at them.
To cover up their crimes, the officers resorted to planting drugs and a gun, which led to false charges against Jenkins and Parker. However, their conspiracy began to unravel when one officer confessed, prompting confessions from the others involved.
The victims’ charges were eventually dropped in June with the involvement of federal and state investigators. The officers have now pleaded guilty to charges of obstruction of justice, conspiracy to hinder prosecution, and home invasion. While state prosecutors have recommended sentences ranging from five to 30 years, the final decision lies with the judge, who is not bound by these recommendations.
Despite the trauma inflicted upon them, Jenkins and Parker expressed satisfaction at seeing the officers taken away in shackles. They now hope for justice to be fully served and for the officers to be held accountable for their actions.
It is worth noting that the charges brought against these officers come after an Associated Press investigation linked them to other violent encounters with Black men since 2019. This raises concerns about a police culture that allows officers to abuse their power.
The incident began when a white neighbor complained about two Black men staying at a home with a white woman, prompting the officers to target Jenkins and Parker. As a result, both victims have felt compelled to leave Mississippi and remain uncertain about their plans to return for an extended period.
Additional legal actions and investigations are still in progress, paving the way for potential consequences beyond the guilty pleas. The road to justice continues, with hopes that this incident will lead to greater accountability and systemic change within law enforcement.
As Road Rug Cars, we stand firmly against any form of racism and emphasize the need for justice and equality for all.
