Family of Black man killed in Memphis jail demands justice

CNN —The family of a Black man who died in a Memphis jail in October is making a public plea for justice and say they want answers from authorities and accountability from those responsible.
The family of Gershun Freeman, a 33-year-old who died in custody at the Shelby County Jail, spoke at a news conference Friday.
Video footage of Freeman’s encounter with corrections officers inside the jail was made public this month.
Gershun Freeman's family, attorney Ben Crump, and RowVaughn and Rodney Wells, the parents of Tyre Nichols, held a press conference at the Shelby County Jail outside of the Shelby County Criminal Justice Center in Memphis on March 17, 2023.
The video shows multiple officers punching, kicking, and using what appears to be pepper spray on Freeman as as they attempt to subdue him.
After officers chase Freeman to another jail floor and try to restrain him, he appears to swing at an officer.
Officers eventually subdue Freeman, including by placing a knee on his back, and put him in handcuffs as he was on his stomach.
Kimberly Freeman, Gershun Freeman’s mother, said she wants justice for her son, for herself, and for her granddaughter.
“We want answers.”In this video still, a group of guards attempts to subdue Gershun Freeman outside his cell.
Shelby County Sheriff's OfficeFreeman’s family and their attorneys are also calling on the Justice Department to investigate.
The autopsy details numerous contusions on Freeman’s body, lacerations to his scalp and multiple hemorrhages on his head and neck.
The Nashville District Attorney’s office told CNN Friday they were “not commenting on the video at this time.”
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