Deputy Commits Murder Judge reduces sentence
COLUMBIA -MS A Judge decided that former Marion County Sheriff's Deputy Greg Elkins who killed fellow Deputy and friend last January will serve only two years behind bars. The Judge sentenced Elkins to 20 years, then suspended 18 years of that sentence, so he'll just spend 2 years in jail.
Elkins pleaded guilty to manslaughter in December 2005 for the January 2005 killing. Elkins was also fined $1,500 and ordered to pay $30,000 in restitution to Hooper's children.
Circuit Court Judge Michael R. Eubanks said he considered Elkins' history in law enforcement when handing down the sentence. So what is this judge saying? Seems to me he's excusing the former Deputies behavior as though he was having a bad day or something. A Deputy Hooper, just 24 years old was murdered, leaving two small children behind.
Elkins, who had been charged with murder, is also a former captain with the Columbia Police Department.
Hooper, 24, died from a gunshot wound in the chest on Jan. 16 outside Hooper's home on Spell Road, authorities said.
McDonald said Hooper was living with Elkins and his wife at the time of the shooting. The crime was in the "heat of passion," according to McDonald's release.
The law should apply to everyone, regardless of experience or background. This is just another example of the good old boy system continuing to churn and release the old same garbage when it come to law enforcement.
Susan Murphy-Milano www.movingoutmovingon.com
