Deryl Dedmon
A white Mississippi teenager has pleaded guilty to murder and committing a hate crime for running over a black man with his pickup truck.
Deryl Dedmon was sentenced to two life sentences for killing 49-year-old James Anderson in Jackson in June, 2011.
Anderson’s family had asked prosecutors not to pursue the death penalty, saying they oppose capital punishment.
James Anderson
Dedmon, 19, apologized to Anderson’s family. "I do not ask y’all to forget, but I do ask y’all to forgive," he said in court just before he was sentenced by Hinds County Circuit Judge Jeff Weill Sr.
As members of his family and the victim’s relatives wiped away tears, Demon said God has taught him not to see race and he is a changed man.
Seven white teens were partying in the early morning hours on June 26 when Dedmon suggested they find a black man to harass, authorities said. Anderson was beaten before Dedmon ran over him, authorities said.
Another teenager, John Aaron Rice, is charged with simple assault in the case. Authorities said he left the scene before Anderson was killed. Rice has pleaded not guilty and is free on a $5,000 bond.
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