Accused of slamming a 62-year-old man against the pavement before repeatedly striking him in the head and chest, three Mississippi police officers were recently indicted on second degree murder charges for “willfully, unlawfully, and feloniously” causing his death.
On January 13, 2019, Jackson police officers Desmond Barney, Lincoln Lampley, and Anthony Fox pulled George Robinson, 62, out of his vehicle for “noncompliance.” After removing Robinson from his vehicle and body-slamming him to the ground, the officers repeatedly struck the older black man while kicking him in the head and chest, according to the indictment.
Robinson was charged with failure to obey a police officer and resisting arrest. He later died of a subdural hemorrhage caused by blunt force trauma to the head, and his death was ruled a homicide.
The three police officers were initially placed on administrative leave but have been reinstated. Barney and Fox currently work for the Clinton Police Department.
According to a recently unsealed indictment, officers Barney, Lampley, and Fox have been charged with second degree murder for the death of Robinson. All three officers posted bond on Thursday.
On Thursday night, Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba issued the following statement: “Our administration is committed to ensuring that Jacksonians have an accountable police department. As part of our accountability process, the City of Jackson has implemented a policy to turn all cases involving officer-involved deaths over to the DA for review by a grand jury.
“The Hinds County grand jury indictments, issued today, begin another phase of the process. In the full spirit of transparency, the administration will continue to monitor the situation and provide information to the public throughout each phase. We ask that you keep all those affected by this tragedy in your prayers.”
The Robinson family released the following statement: “As the family of George Robinson, we are pleased the Jackson Police Department officers involved in his death have finally been charged with murder. For us, the charges prove that George’s life mattered and no one deserves to die the way he did. We are grateful that the District Attorney has taken this action. We have cooperated with the investigation in every way and will continue to do so until we finally get justice for our beloved George.”
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