A lawyer representing the man who was charged in the shooting of the two Ferguson, Mo., police officers claims that his client was roughed up while in police custody and gave a false confession under duress, the Daily Mail reports.
Jerryl Christmas, the attorney of Jeffrey L. Williams, 20, said that Williams had bruises across his back and on his shoulders and neck, as well as marks and a lump on his head. Christmas said that he met with his client Monday but was not allowed to take pictures. He also says that detectives questioned his client after he was beaten.
“I think under those circumstances he would have said anything,” Christmas told Yahoo News. “Anytime someone is questioned without counsel and then I see that kind of bruising, then I'm suspicious about any statements that he may have voluntarily given.”
Williams’ mug shot does appear to show markings on his face and neck, although it is not clear whether those were the ones to which the lawyer was referring.
Williams was charged with two counts of first-degree assault, which could cost him 10 to 30 years or life in prison if he is convicted. He has not entered a plea, according to the Daily Mail.
Read more at the Daily Mail and Yahoo News.