...By Gift BADEWO for TDPel Media.
The controversial case of a Mississippi police officer allegedly shooting an 11-year-old boy has sparked public outrage and prompted serious scrutiny of law enforcement practices.
The officer in question, Sergeant Greg Capers, has been suspended without pay following the incident, which nearly resulted in the child’s death.
This piece will explore the details of this case, which has severe implications for policing and community relations.
The Incident
Young Aderrien Murry faced life-threatening injuries in the early hours of a Saturday morning after allegedly being shot in the chest by Sgt. Greg Capers.
Murry was reportedly trying to protect his mother from a domestic disturbance when he was injured.
The shooting resulted in a collapsed lung, fractured ribs, and a lacerated liver for Murry, forcing him onto a ventilator at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
Aftermath and Investigations
Post the incident, Murry, now recovering at home, questioned the motivations behind the shooting.
He voiced his confusion and distress to his mother, Nakala Murry, asking, “Why did he shoot me? What did I do?”
The Indianola Police Department has since suspended Capers, pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.
The Event
Aderrien had reportedly called the police due to concerns about his mother’s safety during a heated situation with his half-sister’s father.
According to Nakala, the officer arrived with his gun drawn, instructing those inside to exit.
It was at this moment, as Aderrien moved around the hallway corner, that the shooting occurred.
Nakala and the family’s attorney have struggled to understand why the officer reacted as he did, especially as he was the one instructing Aderrien to come out.
Medical Assistance and Legal Claims
Despite the critical situation, Nakala recalls her son singing gospel songs and praying as he bled, while she and the officer tried to administer first aid.
The family’s attorney, Moore, states that Aderrien came perilously close to losing his life, emphasizing that such actions by the police cannot be tolerated.
Further Developments
The aftermath of the shooting was chaotic, with Nakala dealing with her injured son and unable to file a police report against her daughter’s father, leading to his temporary release.
During a press conference, Nakala expressed her distress and outrage by holding up a sign stating, ‘Your “best” cop shot my baby’.
She has since been advocating for Capers’ dismissal.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
Aderrien’s brave recovery has been acknowledged by his friends and family on social media, while his mother notes a lack of support from the police department.
The family’s attorney announced Capers’ suspension and continues to push for accountability from the city and the officer.
Despite setbacks, such as the rejection of the request for body camera footage due to the ongoing investigation, Moore remains hopeful for evidence from a nearby gas station’s video.
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