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Memphis Police Officer Breaks Down on Stand
Desmond Mills Jr., a former Memphis police officer, wept as he watched a video of the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols. Mills admitted to hitting Nichols with his baton three times.
The video showed other officers punching and kicking Nichols, who groaned in pain. Mills expressed regret, saying he wished he could stop the assault. "I made his child fatherless, and I’m sorry," he said.
Nichols died three days after the beating in January 2023. The video sparked nationwide calls for police reform.
Mills’ testimony came during the trial of three other former officers charged with violating Nichols’ civil rights and obstructing justice. Mills and another officer have pleaded guilty to the charges.
Officers Lied and Used Excessive Force
Last week, former officer Emmitt Martin III testified that he initiated the bogus traffic stop of Nichols. He admitted to pepper-spraying Nichols and chasing him, which enraged him.
Martin said he punched and kicked Nichols multiple times. He then watched as other officers continued to assault the "helpless" man. Martin admitted to removing his body camera to hide their actions and lying to a supervisor about Nichols’ behavior.