Multiple Deputies Charged in Fatal Beating of Inmate at Memphis Jail
Nine Memphis jail deputies have been indicted in the death of Gershun Freeman, a Black man who died in custody last fall after being beaten by jailers during a confrontation. The indictments were disclosed by Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner, who declined to provide further details. Video footage released in March showed Freeman being punched, kicked, and pepper-sprayed by at least 10 corrections officers. Freeman had a psychotic episode and died of a heart attack while being restrained. The manner of his death is listed as a homicide in the autopsy report. The indictments are sealed, and lawyers for Freeman's family say they are serious.