MMA fighter Jamual Edward Parks, also known as Jamal Parks, has been given six years in prison for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and assaulting a public servant. Although there was a machete found in the crime scene, the deadly weapon that was used according to the prosecutor was nothing but his bare hands.
The 27-year-old MMA fighter pleaded guilty to the charges on Sept. 21. It was very unusual according to the prosecutor, but since Parks was an active MMA fighter, they thought that it was right to charge his hands as a deadly weapon.
According to Star-Telegram, the victim, Juan Angel and Parks' blogger friend, recounted the incident that happened in November 2013 during the sentencing hearing on Nov. 2. Parks invited Angel in his apartment, where the latter brought marijuana and some beer for them to share. But as soon as Angel entered the apartment, Parks asserted that his friend was trying to "set him up." They had an argument, then the mixed martial artist started beating his friend.
"I was trying to figure out what was going on and then he just kneed me in the face, threw me on the couch and started elbowing me and punching me," Angel said. He said that Parks pulled out a machete and put it next to his throat, but luckily it did not go.
Angel said he managed to get out of Parks' apartment and called the police. The officers came but Parks also beat one of them, Cpl. L. Hoerig, a lady office. It took several officers to restrain the fighter. Parks, Angel and Hoerig ended up in the hospital to treat their injuries
Parks was on drugs at that time, according to State District Judge Wayne Salvant. He sentenced Parks to six years in prison after pleading guilty to the charges for beating up Angel and Hoerig. Parks received credit for the time he served in jail, according to BJ Penn.
Parks started his MMA carreer in 2013 with the Team Takedown and currently in featherweight division. He has a professional record of 1 loss and 5 wins coming by 2 knockouts, 1 submission and 2 decisions.
