Press conference highlights calls for maximum sentences in Rankin County Goon Squad case

By Edelia J. Carthan, Ed.D.,
Contributing Writer,

In a stirring press conference held Monday, March 18, attorneys Trent Walker and Malik Shabazz, representing victims Michael Jenkins and Eddie Parker, called for the “stiffest of sentences” against former Rankin County deputies and a Richland police officer, collectively known as the “Goon Squad.” The group faced charges for a brutal assault that has sparked outrage and calls for accountability within law enforcement across Mississippi and the nation.
Shabazz, articulating the gravity of the assault, emphasized the ongoing emotional and physical suffering of Jenkins and Parker, stating, “A message must be sent to police in Mississippi and all over America,” highlighting the need for severe consequences to deter such criminal conduct in the future.
The accused, former deputies Brett McAlpin, Christian Dedmon, Hunter Elward, Jeffrey Middleton, Daniel Opdyke, and former Richland police officer Joshua Hartfield, pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy against rights, obstruction of justice, and deprivation of rights under color of law, among others.
With their guilt established, the focus now turns to their sentencing, with potential sentences ranging significantly, reflecting the severity of their actions.
Jason Kirschberg, representing Daniel Opdyke, shared that his client has accepted responsibility and feels deep remorse for his actions. However, the victims and their legal team are pushing for sentences that reflect the heinous nature of the crimes committed.

The crimes have been linked to a pattern of violence, with an Associated Press investigation revealing multiple violent encounters involving the deputies since 2019. These incidents have resulted in two deaths and significant lasting injuries, underscoring a troubling pattern of abuse.
Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey described the actions as the worst case of police brutality he has ever seen, promising changes within the department. Yet, Jenkins and Parker, along with their supporters, are calling for his resignation and have filed a significant civil lawsuit against the department.
As the community braces for the sentencing, there is a collective call for justice and accountability. The case has not only shed light on the actions of the so-called “Goon Squad” but has also amplified the national dialogue on police brutality and the urgent need for systemic reform.
The victims, supported by their families and advocates, are seeking the maximum sentences for the defendants, viewing the upcoming decisions as a pivotal moment for justice in Mississippi and a benchmark for law enforcement accountability nationwide.
As the nation watches, the outcomes of this case could have profound implications for the fight against police brutality and the quest for justice and reform within law enforcement agencies across the United States.