Mississippi police officers charged for murder after 2019 confrontation with Black man

After turning themselves in, the three officers posted bail.

Aug 16, 2020

Officers Desmond Barney, Vincent Lampley and Anthony Fox (left to right). (Jackson Police Department via NY Daily News)

Three Jackson, Mississippi policemen have been charged with second-degree murder in connection to the death of 61-year-old George Robinson in January 2019.

As reported by the Daily News, a grand jury accused officers Desmond Barney, Lincoln Lampley and Anthony Fox of “eminantly dangerous acts.

Mississippi Police Officer charged w 2019-2nd D Murder in 61yr George Robinson's Death in Jacksonville. Indictment PD slammed Robinson Headfirst into pavement, struck & kicked him in Head,chest after removing him from car. He died 2days latter in hospital. All this 4 traffic stop pic.twitter.com/UaTE2l1pR1
— Vammek Opinion (@Vammek) August 16, 2020

While searching the neighborhood after a pastor was killed in a botched robbery, the three officers approached Robinson who was sitting in his car. They claimed to have witnessed him making drug transactions and pulled him out of his vehicle for non-compliance.

They handcuffed and beat him, as well as body slamming him headfirst into the pavement. The officers also delivered multiple kicks and punches to Robinson’s head and chest, according to the indictment.

Robinson died two days later, and although his death was ruled a homicide, the Jackson Police Department’s Internal Affairs division found no evidence of wrongdoing immediately following his death.

Not at all condoning what these Mississippi officers did but how did they get arrested yet the cops involved in Breonna Taylor's murder are still free????
— Highly Favored (@janayonit) August 16, 2020

In a statement made to WLBT, the Robinson family said, “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.”

After turning themselves in, the three officers posted bail. Lampley continues to work for the Jackson Police Department, while Fox and Barney have transferred to a police station in Clinton, Mississippi.

“Our administration is committed to ensuring that Jacksonians have an accountable police department. As part of our accountability process, the City of Jackson has implanted a process involving officer-involved deaths over to the DA for review by a grand jury,” said Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba.

“In the full spirit of transparency, the administration will continue to monitor the situation and provide information to the public throughout each phase,” Lumumba continued.

“We ask that you keep those affected by this tragedy in your prayers.

Have you subscribed to theGrio’s podcast “Dear Culture”? Download our newest episodes now!