Gershun Freeman (2022)

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Overview

Surveillance video

On October 5, 2022, Freeman was in jail when Shelby County Tennessee Sheriff's Office corrections officers approached his cell to serve dinner. Rather than use the slot in the door, officers opened the door. Freeman rushed at the officers, one of whom used pepper spray. Another officer punched Freeman, knocking him to the ground. Eight other officers joined the altercation, kicking and punching Freeman. Some officers used handcuffs as makeshift brass knuckles.[1]

Freeman escaped from the officers and ran through the jail before being slammed to the ground by a supervisor. Officers knelt on Freeman's back, neck, and head for several minutes. Freeman stopped breathing, and officers did not render aid. Freeman was pronounced dead at the scene.[1]

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the District Attorney's Justice Review Unit opened investigations.[2]

Freeman's family sued the Sheriff, the Chief Jailer, and the county for violating Freeman's civil rights.[1]

On September 20, 2023, 9 jail deputies were indicted, including:[3]

  • Stevon Jones: second-degree murder, aggravated assault while acting in concert with others, assault causing bodily harm, and assault
  • Courtney Parham: second-degree murder and aggravated assault while acting in concert with others
  • Jeffrey Gibson: aggravated assault resulting in the death of another
  • Anthony Howell: aggravated assault resulting in the death of another
  • Damian Cooper: aggravated assault resulting in the death of another
  • Ebonee Davis: aggravated assault resulting in the death of another
  • Lareko Elliot: aggravated assault resulting in the death of another
  • Chelsey Duckett: aggravated assault resulting in the death of another
  • another unnamed officer: aggravated assault resulting in the death of another

The 9 deputies were placed on paid administrative leave.[4]

On October 27, 2023, 6 of the 9 deputies pleaded not guilty.[5]

Video

The incident was captured on surveillance video.[1]

On March 2, 2023, the Nashville District Attorney released the video.[6]

Officers Involved


References