Additional Coverage:
- Verdicts reached in trial of former Memphis officers charged in fatal beating of Tyre Nichols (nbcnews.com)
Three Former Memphis Police Officers Convicted of Federal Charges
In a federal court, three former Memphis police officers—Demetrius Haley, Justin Smith, and Taddarius Bean—were found guilty of witness tampering charges. These charges stem from their involvement in the deadly beating of Tyre Nichols last year.
The officers were accused of using excessive force against Nichols, obstructing justice by tampering with witnesses, and other crimes. They pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Haley was convicted of conspiracy to tamper with witnesses and obstruction of justice. Smith and Bean were each found guilty of only one count of obstruction of justice. None were found guilty of the most severe charges, but Haley was convicted of lesser counts of bodily injury.
The officers were taken into custody after the verdict and will face sentencing later. The witness tampering charges carry sentences of up to 20 years in prison.
Nichols’ mother expressed satisfaction that all the officers were convicted of at least one charge, saying, “They’re all going to jail.”
Two Other Officers Plead Guilty
Two other former officers, Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills Jr., have already pleaded guilty to the same charges. Mills faces up to 15 years in prison, while Martin could receive a sentence of up to 40 years under his plea agreement.
Officers Accused of Concealing Assault
Prosecutors alleged that the officers viciously beat Nichols after a traffic stop, even though he posed no threat to them. The officers allegedly stood by his dying body and concealed their actions.
Defense attorneys argued that the officers were subduing a suspect who resisted arrest.
Scorpion Unit Disbanded
The five officers were members of the Memphis Police Department’s Scorpion Unit, which was disbanded after Nichols’ death. The officers face additional charges of second-degree murder in state court, where they have pleaded not guilty.
The Shelby County District Attorney stated that appropriate steps will be taken in state court after the federal sentencing.