KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — More than two years after Tyre Nichols’ death, three former Memphis Police officers who were charged in Nichols’ death were found not guilty. In this week’s Ask Isaacs, 6 News’ Lori Tucker and Attorney Greg Isaacs discuss the high-profile state and federal cases.
On January 7, 2023, Nichols was stopped for an alleged traffic violation while driving home. After being pulled out of his car by officers, Nichols ran away, police body cam video showed. The video later showed him being brutally beaten by officers, and he died three days later. An autopsy revealed that Nichols died from blunt force trauma.
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In the wake of Nichols’ death, both state and federal charges were brought against five officers, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin, Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith, who were a part of a crime suppression team called the Scorpion Unit, which was disbanded after Nichols’ death.
In both the federal and state cases, Mills and Martin pleaded guilty. In the federal case, both officers pleaded guilty to deprivation of rights under color of law – excessive force and failure to intervene and conspiracy to witness tamper. In the state case, both also pleaded guilty and did not stand trial, the AP reported…