Tyre Nichols Case: Three Former Memphis Officers Acquitted of State Charges
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Three former Memphis officers were acquitted Wednesday of state charges, including second-degree murder, in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols after he ran away from a traffic stop, a death that sparked nationwide protests and prompted renewed calls for police reforms in the U.S.
A jury took about 8 1/2 hours over two days to find Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith not guilty on all charges after a nine-day trial in state court in Memphis. After the jury’s verdict was read, the defendants hugged their lawyers as relatives of the former officers cried. One relative yelled, “Thank you, Jesus!”
Martin Zummach, Smith’s attorney, told The Associated Press by text: “It’s easy to defend a good person. It’s nerve-racking to represent an innocent man.”
The Incident and Investigation
The three defendants still face the prospect of years in prison after they were convicted of federal charges last year, though they were acquitted of the most serious charges then, too. Two other former officers previously pleaded guilty in both state and federal court, including Emmitt Martin, who defense attorneys blamed for the majority of the violence.
Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, fled a traffic stop after he was yanked out of his car, pepper-sprayed and hit with a Taser. Five officers who are also Black caught up with him and punched, kicked and hit him with a police baton, struggling to handcuff Nichols as he called out for his mother just steps from his home. Nichols died Jan. 10, 2023, three days after the beating.
Footage of the beating captured by a police pole camera also showed the officers milling about, talking and laughing as Nichols struggled, video that prompted intense scrutiny of police in Memphis, a majority-Black city.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents Nichols’ family, issued a statement expressing outrage at the outcome of the trial.
“Today’s verdicts are a devastating miscarriage of justice,” the statement reads. “The world watched as Tyre Nichols was beaten to death by those sworn to protect and serve.”
Reaction to the Verdict
Memphis District Attorney Steve Mulroy said he respects the jury but thinks the evidence was there for every charge that prosecutors brought.
“Was I surprised that there wasn’t a single guilty verdict on any of the counts or any of the lesser-included offenses, given the overwhelming evidence that we presented? Yes, I was surprised. Do I have an explanation for it? No.”
He said he spoke to Nichols’ family briefly and, “They were devastated. … I think they were outraged, and we can understand why they would be outraged, given the evidence.”
The Trial and Defense
Defense attorneys said Martin was responsible for the most violence
Former Memphis officers Desmond Mills Jr. and Martin, who were also involved in the beating, have agreed to plead guilty to the state charges and did not stand trial under deals with prosecutors. They also pleaded guilty in federal court, where sentencing for all five officers is pending.
At trial, defense attorneys emphasized that Martin kicked and punched Nichols several times in the head.
The defense also seemed to score points with their use-of-force experts, who testified that the three officers on trial acted in compliance with police department policies and widely accepted law enforcement standards. Attorneys for Bean and Smith called character witnesses who testified that the men were good officers who did their job the right way.
Mills testified for the prosecution, saying he regrets his failure to stop the beating, which led to Nichols’ death from blunt force trauma. Nichols suffered tears and bleeding in the brain, Dr. Marco Ross, the medical examiner who performed the autopsy, said in court testimony.
The officers had been charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression. In addition to beating Nichols, prosecutors also said the officers failed to intervene to stop the beating and failed to tell medical personnel that Nichols had been hit repeatedly in the head.
Conclusion
The acquittal of the three former Memphis officers has sparked outrage and raised questions about the justice system. The incident has also led to renewed calls for police reform and accountability. As the case continues to unfold, it is clear that the death of Tyre Nichols will have a lasting impact on the community and the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What were the charges against the three former Memphis officers?
A: The officers were charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct, and official oppression.
Q: What was the verdict in the case?
A: The three former Memphis officers were acquitted of all charges.
Q: What
