In a case that sent shockwaves across the nation, former Mississippi sheriff’s deputy Hunter Elward was sentenced to approximately 20 years in prison on Tuesday for his involvement in the horrific torture of two Black men last year. U.S. District Judge Tom Lee handed down the sentence of 241 months, condemning Elward’s actions as “egregious and despicable” during the sentencing hearing.
The crimes unfolded in January 2023 when a racist call for extrajudicial violence was made to Rankin County Deputy Brett McAlpin. The caller complained that two Black men were staying with a white woman in Braxton, Mississippi. This call triggered a series of events that led to the brutal assault of Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker by a group of law enforcement officers self-described as the “Goon Squad.”
Elward, along with five other former law enforcement officers, burst into a Rankin County home without a warrant and subjected Jenkins and Parker to a barrage of racist torture. The victims were assaulted with stun guns, a sex toy, and other objects. Elward admitted to shoving a gun into Jenkins’ mouth and firing it in a “mock execution” that resulted in a grievous injury.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Lee emphasized the severity of Elward’s crimes and the impact they had on the victims and their community. He underscored the need for a sentence commensurate with the gravity of the offenses, stating that it was “more than justified” to hold Elward accountable for his actions.
In the aftermath of the assault, false charges were levied against Jenkins and Parker, who endured months of suffering as a result of the vicious attack. Jenkins sustained severe injuries, including a lacerated tongue and broken jaw, which continue to affect his daily life.
Ahead of the sentencing, Jenkins and Parker called for the “stiffest of sentences,” emphasizing the enduring emotional and physical toll of the ordeal. Their attorney, Malik Shabazz, echoed their sentiments, stressing the need for accountability and justice in the face of such egregious misconduct.
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The sentencing of Elward and his cohorts marks a significant step in the pursuit of justice for Jenkins, Parker, and countless others who have been victims of police brutality and racial violence. It sends a clear message that such heinous acts will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community grapples with the aftermath of the shocking revelations, with calls for systemic reform and accountability echoing across the state. The case serves as a stark reminder of the enduring legacy of racial injustice in Mississippi and the urgent need for meaningful change within law enforcement agencies.
Despite the efforts of federal prosecutors to address the systemic issues underlying the case, questions remain about the accountability of law enforcement officials and the role of institutional racism in perpetuating violence against Black communities. As the investigation continues, the victims and their supporters remain steadfast in their quest for truth, justice, and accountability.
