Key takeaways:
- Nine Memphis jail deputies have been indicted in the death of 33-year-old Gershun Freeman.
- According to the wrongful death lawsuit, Freeman was punched, kicked and had a knee placed on his back during a confrontation with jailers.
- The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has launched an internal investigation into the incident and is conducting a review of its policies and procedures.
Nine Memphis jail deputies have been indicted in the death of 33-year-old Gershun Freeman, a Black man who had a psychotic episode and died in custody last fall. Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner, who oversees the jail where Freeman was beaten, disclosed the existence of the indictments during a news conference Wednesday but declined to offer more details, including the names of the county jail deputies and the charges they face.
According to the wrongful death lawsuit filed against Bonner, Freeman was punched, kicked and had a knee placed on his back during a confrontation with jailers. Lawyers for Freeman’s family in the lawsuit said the indictments were sealed.
Bonner said he could not comment on the specifics of the case due to the ongoing investigation. He did, however, express his condolences to the Freeman family and said he was committed to ensuring justice is served.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has also launched an internal investigation into the incident and is conducting a review of its policies and procedures. Bonner said he is committed to making sure the jail is a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff.
The investigation into Freeman’s death is ongoing. It is unclear when the indictments will be unsealed and the names of the deputies involved will be released.
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