JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
A white Brandon teenager pleaded guilty to murder and a hate crime for running over a black man with his pickup truck last year.
The judge called the murderous act a stain on Mississippi that will take years to fade.
It was a contrite Deryl Dedmon in the courtroom.
"I did a very malicious thing that night for no reason I wish I could take it all back and restore what your family has lost I ask and beg for your forgiveness," Dedmon said.
It was a far cry from the vicious hate crime he pleaded guilty to; murdering James Craig Anderson last June...running down Anderson, who was African American, with his pickup truck in front of the Metro Inn in Jackson.
His hair now longer, Dedmon had this to say to Anderson's family.
"I'm sincerely sorry and I take full responsibility for my actions that night," Dedmon said. "I pray for y'all families everyday and god will soften your hearts to forgive me."
Dedmon waived his right to a trial with his guilty plea.
He was given two life sentences; one of them a "Hate Crime" enhancement.
In describing the night of the murder, prosecutors say the Brandon teenager and some friends drove to Jackson specifically to harass black people.
They say he first assaulted Anderson before running him over.
The incident was captured on motel surveillance video.
"The defendant saw Mr. Anderson appear in his headlights at the exit of the motel on the other side of the road, the defendant deliberately used his vehicle to run over the victim, someone inside the care yelled a racial slur," said Prosecutor Scott Rogillio.
One of the friends, John Aaron Rice, is charged with simple assault in the case.
Authorities said Rice left the scene in another vehicle before Anderson was killed.
Rice has pleaded not guilty and is free on a $5,000 bond.
"The strength of the case was very apparent in the court, as the facts were read," said Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith. "We felt good about this case from day one, we're continuing to work diligently and bring justice to this matter."
Speaking for James Craig Anderson was his sister, Barbara Anderson-Young.
"We the Anderson family are praying for racial reconciliation not only in Mississippi but all over this land and country we are praying for the defendant Dedmon and his family that they find peace." Anderson-Young said.
Dedmon's relatives declined to speak as they left the courthouse.
The FBI is also investigating the case and the judge told Dedmon that his guilty plea in state court would not prevent him from facing federal charges.
After the hearing, District Attorney Smith said, there may be additional arrests.
He promised more details at a Thursday news conference.
Smith said this is the first hate crime prosecution in Mississippi that he could find.
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