Heart of Dixie · Death in Dixie
Handcuffed in the Briefing Room
United States v. Huntley (2021)
Charge: Deprivation of rights under color of law (18 U.S.C. 242) - beating a handcuffed arresteeCourt: U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit (trial: U.S. District Court, Middle District of Alabama)Docket: Death in Dixie
Did the lieutenant use unreasonable force under colour of law, or did the injuries come from a lawful arrest struggle?
The facts
On December 24, 2014, an off-duty police lieutenant in full uniform, working security in Tuskegee, Alabama, stopped a man riding an all-terrain vehicle through the town square. After a scuffle near a liquor store, the man was handcuffed and taken to the police station. Witnesses said that, inside, the lieutenant pepper-sprayed him twice, knocked him down, stomped on him and repeatedly kicked and punched him while he remained handcuffed. A recruit recorded the assault on a cell phone. The man suffered bleeding, bruises and chipped teeth.
You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.
Citation: United States v. Huntley, United States v. Huntley, No. 18-14119 (11th Cir. Oct. 25, 2021) (unpublished); trial No. 3:18-cr-00008-WKW (M.D. Ala.)
Read more at media.ca11.uscourts.gov. The source reveals the outcome.