FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Grenada, MS – June 13, 2024 – The Carlos Moore Law Group is calling for the immediate release of all video evidence related to the April 4, 2024, incident involving fifteen-year-old Cantanna Francois, an 8th grade student at Nichols Middle School, who was brutally assaulted by School Resource Officer Jahyea Parker.
The incident occurred when Ms. Francois was attempting to get water to take her prescribed medication. Officer Parker confronted her regarding her use of headphones—a common practice among students at the school—before violently escalating the encounter. Officer Parker grabbed Ms. Francois by the hair, choked her, and verbally assaulted her. This excessive use of force left Ms. Francois humiliated and traumatized.
Attorney Carlos E. Moore, representing Ms. Francois, is demanding that the City of Canton, the Canton Public School District, and the Canton Police Department release all video evidence from the school and officer body cameras to ensure full transparency and accountability.
“The actions of Officer Parker and the subsequent failure of the City of Canton and the Canton Public School District to protect Ms. Francois are unconscionable,” said Attorney Moore. “The public has a right to know what transpired, and the immediate release of the video evidence is crucial for transparency and justice. We demand that this evidence be released without further delay.”
The Carlos Moore Law Group is pursuing legal action based on violations of Ms. Francois’s constitutional rights under the 4th, 5th, 8th, and 14th Amendments, as well as under 42 U.S.C. §1983 and §1988. Additional state law claims involve the Mississippi Tort Claims Act, common law negligence, and intentional torts. The actions of the defendants constitute civil assault and battery, gross negligence, reckless disregard, and negligent supervision, among other charges.
Ms. Francois has suffered significant injuries, including physical anguish, trauma, PTSD, fright, shock, and humiliation, resulting in extensive healthcare-related expenses and ongoing mental and emotional suffering. “This is not just about seeking justice for Cantanna Francois,” added Attorney Moore. “It’s about ensuring that such horrific incidents do not happen to any other student. We are prepared to take all necessary legal actions to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”
The Carlos Moore Law Group will continue to seek justice and full accountability for Ms. Francois and her family and urges the responsible parties to comply with this demand for the release of the video evidence.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jay Mathis at Media@Morebymoore.com.
About Carlos Moore Law Group
Carlos Moore Law Group is a prominent civil rights law firm dedicated to advocating for individuals whose rights have been violated. The firm is unwavering in its commitment to fighting for justice and amplifying the voices of the marginalized and oppressed.