TENNESSEE – Five former Memphis police officers have been charged in the death of Tyre Nichols, a motorist who died three days after a confrontation with officers during a traffic stop on January 7th.

Friday evening, the Memphis Police Department released video of the incident. Nichols’ family has called for any protests to remain peaceful.

WARNING: Video may be disturbing to some viewers.

Video 2 from City of Memphis on Vimeo.

The fired officers were charged with second-degree murder and other crimes and were in custody as of Thursday morning.

Justin Smith – Two counts of official misconduct, official oppression, second-degree murder, aggravated assault and two counts of aggravated kidnapping.
Tadarrius Bean – Second- degree murder, aggravated assault, two counts of aggravated kidnapping, two counts of official misconduct and official oppression.
Demetrius Haley – Second degree murder, aggravated assault, two counts of aggravated kidnapping, two counts of official misconduct and official oppression.
Emmitt Martin III – Second degree murder, aggravated assault, two counts of aggravated kidnapping, two counts of official misconduct and official oppression.
Desmond Mills Jr. – Second degree murder, aggravated assault, two counts of aggravated kidnapping, two counts of official misconduct and official oppression.

The Shelby County District Attorney General has requested an independent investigation into the use of force by the officers.

The five officers were fired last Friday for violation of policy, and a civil rights investigation has also been opened by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, and the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice.

Tyre Nichols’ family has hired attorney Ben Crump to represent them.

Facebook Comments