Former JPD officer Anthony Fox sentenced to 5 years in death of George Robinson

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - “Fox is my child and I stand on it. And I guarantee you this isn’t over ‘til the fat lady singing.”

Former Jackson police officer Anthony Fox was sentenced Wednesday to serve 5 years in prison after the 2019 death of George Robinson.

On August 4, a jury found Fox guilty of culpable negligence manslaughter. Fox has been on trial since late July in connection with Robinson’s death.

Both the families of Fox and Robinson were left emotional following the ruling.

“First, they say they when they want them him to make a plea where no jail time? Let’s do it. Secondly, then they say 20 years, then she dropped down to five because she sees she loses her voters,” Fox’s sister Tiesha Brister stated.

According to Hinds Co. District Attorney Jody Owens and Robinson’s family, this sentencing has been a long time coming - and feel it’s only fair that time is served.

“I’ve heard so many comments over the last two years, as the office has been bullied and tried to be intimidated about why this case has been brought forward. This case was brought forth one and one reason alone, that a citizen of Hinds County lost their life.”

Two other Jackson police officers, Lincoln Lampley and Desmond Barney were cleared of murder charges in the 62-year-old’s death in May of last year.

During Wednesday’s sentencing, Fox’s attorney called several character witnesses, including Clinton Police Chief Ford Hammond. He testified that Fox was “a perfect police officer” and that his city was “better and safer because of Anthony Fox.”

His mother, Mary Fox, who was also called a character witness, stated that “Over the years, [Anthony] really put himself into trying to mold his boys into becoming what he aspired them to be… to be productive citizens of the city.”

However, during court, Judge Wooten claimed that while many can speak on Fox’s character, a life was lost and time must be served. Owens says Robinson’s family wanted accountability from the start.

“We continue to support law enforcement, we hope that all will know that we all have to be held accountable.”

George Robinson’s sister took the stand as well. “My brother was a man, too,” she said. “I don’t think [the sentencing] should be a pat on the hand. I feel like everyone should serve at the same time.”

Robinson died two days after contact with police during a manhunt for a murder suspect. Coroner Sharon Grisham-Stewart ruled the death a homicide by blunt-force trauma.

Want more WLBT news in your inbox? Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Copyright 2022 WLBT. All rights reserved.