A jury from outside Memphis, in the case involving Tyre Nichols’ death, delivered a verdict of not guilty on all charges for three former police officers. Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith Jr. were all facing second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct, and official oppression charges. After deliberating for 8 and a half hours, the mostly white jury from Hamilton County found them not guilty, including of lesser charges that could have led to convictions.
On January 7, 2023, five officers were involved in a violent confrontation with Nichols, a 29-year-old father and FedEx worker, during a traffic stop. Nichols, a skateboarder, was pepper-sprayed, punched, and kicked by the officers. Video footage of the beating ignited nationwide protests, vigils, and demands for police reform within the Memphis Police Department.
The defense argued that Nichols resisted arrest and posed a danger to the officers. They pointed out that drugs and stolen credit cards were discovered in Nichols’ vehicle and suggested that his drug use may have given him “superhuman strength.” In contrast, the prosecution contended that the officers brutally beat Nichols to death, citing the severity of his injuries, and attempted to cover up their actions afterward.
What transpired that night? Nichols was pulled over by Haley and another officer on the evening of January 7, 2023. The officers forcibly removed him from his vehicle, sparking a struggle. Nichols was pepper-sprayed, and a Taser was deployed as he fled. It’s uncertain whether the Taser made contact.
Nichols was later caught less than 100 yards from his mother’s house. At this point, additional officers arrived and proceeded to hold Nichols’ arms, delivering a series of kicks, punches, baton strikes, and more pepper spray.
The entire assault was captured on body cameras and a SkyCop camera. When Nichols lost consciousness, he was handcuffed and propped up against an unmarked police car. Over 20 minutes passed before he was placed on a stretcher and rushed to the hospital.
Despite the state verdict, the officers still face federal charges. All three former officers were convicted in federal court, facing lengthy prison sentences. The sentencing was delayed until the state trial concluded. Bean and Smith were acquitted of civil rights violations but found guilty of witness tampering, facing up to 20 years in prison. Haley was convicted on multiple charges, including excessive force, neglecting Nichols’ medical needs, witness tampering, and conspiracy to tamper with a witness. While the jury determined that Haley’s actions led to injury, not death, he still faces a possible life sentence in federal prison, where parole is not an option.
Two other officers, Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills Jr., entered guilty pleas in the federal case, admitting to using excessive force and conspiring to tamper with witnesses. Mills’ plea also applied to the state case, meaning he’ll serve both federal and state sentences concurrently. Martin and Mills testified during the federal trial, with Mills also testifying during the state trial.
