‘The day of justice has come’: Two Black men tortured by six White law enforcement officers speak before sentencing hearing

(CNN) – Eddie Parker and Michael Jenkins said they were often not believed when they tried, for months, to tell people about the grueling violence and torture they endured at the hands of six White law enforcement officers, culminating in Jenkins being shot in the mouth. Now, more than a year later, the men – both of whom are Black – and their attorney say justice may finally come as the White officers who tortured them for nearly two hours are set to be sentenced in federal court this week. Five of the officers face a maximum of 20 years in prison while the sixth could face a maximum of 30 years behind bars. Related Stories “I’m here for a reason,” Parker said in a tearful interview with CNN on Monday. “I’m still here fighting and I’m gonna fight.” Details from the Jan. 24, 2023, incident eventually came to light after the two men filed a federal civil rights lawsuit in June. Many of the claims were later borne out by federal prosecutors in August as the six former Mississippi officers pleaded guilty to a combined 13 felonies in connection with the torture and abuse of the two men. “The...