3 Former Memphis Officers Acquitted In Tyre Nichols Murder Case 

Three former Memphis police officers, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith, were acquitted Wednesday of state charges, including second-degree murder, in the 2023 fatal beating of Tyre Nichols. The jury, reportedly all white, deliberated for approximately 8 1/2 hours over two days before returning not guilty verdicts on all counts, including aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct, and official oppression. 

After the verdict was read, the defendants embraced their attorneys while family members expressed relief, with one relative shouting, “Thank you, Jesus!” Despite the acquittal, the officers still face potential federal prison sentences, having pleaded guilty to related federal charges.

Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man known for his love of skateboarding and photography, died on January 10, 2023, three days after being pulled over, pepper-sprayed, Tasered, and brutally beaten by five Black officers. Footage captured from a police pole camera showed the officers repeatedly striking Nichols with fists, boots, and a baton, then casually talking and laughing as he struggled on the ground just steps from his home. 

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents Nichols’ family, called the verdicts a “devastating miscarriage of justice,” adding, “The world watched as Tyre Nichols was beaten to death by those sworn to protect and serve.”

Memphis District Attorney Steve Mulroy expressed disappointment but said he respected the jury’s decision. “They were devastated,” Mulroy said of Nichols’ family. “I think they were outraged, and we can understand why, given the evidence.”

During the trial, prosecutors argued that the officers acted out of frustration and anger, using excessive force when Nichols fled the initial traffic stop. They presented medical evidence showing Nichols died from blunt force trauma, including brain injuries. Defense attorneys, however, portrayed the officers as acting within departmental guidelines, citing their fear and the chaotic nature of the confrontation. Former officer Desmond Mills, who testified as a prosecution witness, admitted he hit Nichols with a baton out of anger but claimed he never saw Nichols punch or kick any officer.

The two other officers involved pleaded guilty in federal court last year and testified against their former colleagues.

Link: CNN.com