Oct 03, 2024
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A federal jury announced mixed verdicts against three former Memphis Police officers accused in the beating death of Tyre Nichols, finding them guilty on some counts but not guilty on others, including violating Nichols' civil rights. "All of them have been convicted of something, and they are all going to jail," said Tyre Nichols' mother RowVaughn Wells, outside the federal courthouse in Memphis. "This has been a long journey for our family." The verdicts came down at 5 p.m. Thursday after a nearly four-week trial. The results are below: Count 1 - Violating Nichols’ Civil Rights Count 2 - Deliberate Indifference to Medical Needs Count 3 - Conspiracy Count 4 - Obstruction Tadarrius Bean: Count 1 - Not Guilty Count 2 - Not Guilty Count 3 - Not Guilty Count 4 - Guilty Demetrius Haley: Count 1 - Not Guilty, Guilty of lesser crime of deprivation of rights resulting in bodily injury Count 2 - Not Guilty, Guilty of lesser crime of deprivation of rights resulting in bodily injury Count 3 - Guilty Count 4 - Guilty Justin Smith: Count 1 - Not Guilty  Count 2 - Not Guilty  Count 3 - Not Guilty  Count 4 - Guilty The three former officers were taken into custody by marshals after the verdicts were announced. They have a detention hearing on Monday to discuss their release. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 22. Despite the mixed verdict, with the officers being found not guilty on some of the counts, Nichols' family said they were satisfied with the outcome. Nichols' father said he was "elated" and this was "a very good day." "The jury found that all of them in some way participated in a crime, and that Tyre Nichols' death won't go unaccounted for," attorney Ben Crump said. All five officers, including Desmond Mills and Emmitt Martin who have already taken deals and pleaded guilty to federal charges, also face state criminal charges of second-degree murder in the Nichols case. A date for the state trial has not been set, but Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said his office is prepared. “We commend the diligent work of the US Attorney's Office," Mulroy said. "The public deserves to know that those who enforce the law are not above the law: if they use excessive force they'll be held accountable. While the verdict may not be everything hoped for, we're fully prepared to move forward with the State's case. We will await sentencing in federal court, consult with US Attorney’s Office counsel, and take appropriate steps in state court.” "My hope for our community is that we continue to respond in peace and that we keep Tyre's legacy at the heart of our collective reaction to this verdict," Memphis Mayor Paul Young said in a statement. "Today’s verdict brings a measure of justice for Tyre Nichols’ family, who have endured unimaginable pain since his tragic and senseless death," said state Sen. London Lamar (D-Memphis). "While no verdict can bring Tyre back, the conviction of these officers is a critical step in holding those responsible accountable." ► MORE ON TYRE NICHOLS The jury started deliberating on Thursday morning. Judge Mark Norris read the jury's instructions, and the prosecution and defense finished presenting their cases with closing arguments Wednesday night. The prosecution wrapped up their case by telling the jury that Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith "Beat him (Nichols), left him to die, and tried to cover it up.” "They have blamed everyone but themselves," said prosecuting attorney Kathryn Gilbert. “They wanted it to be a beatdown, and they made sure that it was.” Meanwhile, defense attorneys argued over the last four weeks of testimony that the former officers participated in a "high-risk" traffic stop involving a suspect who was resisting and under the influence of drugs. Their cases heavily focused on the officer's training, or in their words, lack of training. They argued that the officers were blinded by pepper spray, the kicks and punches to Nichols were consistent with MPD policy, and they aided Nichols by calling for medical on the scene. “These guys are doing life or death work,” said Bean's attorney, John Keith Perry. “They were serious business and they were doing their job.” Bean, Haley, and Smith faced the same four federal counts – Violating Tyre Nichols’ Civil Rights, Deliberate Indifference to his medical needs, Conspiracy to cover up their use of unlawful force, and Obstruction by intentionally omitting information to those writing reports on the arrest of Nichols. The first two counts of the indictment carry a maximum penalty of life in prison. The last two carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. 📡 See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid-South. 📧 Sign up for WREG newsletters and have the latest top stories sent right to your inbox. On January 7, 2023, Tyre Nichols was severely beaten during a traffic stop in Hickory Hill, right down the road from his home. Three days later, on January 10, he died from blunt force trauma to the head, according to an autopsy report. The five officers accused of the beating were fired by the Memphis Police Department and indicted in state court just days after the incident. Body camera and Skycop camera footage were released of the beating, and a few months later, a federal indictment followed. Lawmakers are already looking at how this case can change state law on body cam procedures and closely watching the outcome of this trial. “I feel the pain. And we've got the opportunity to put things in place in terms of legislation, in terms of best practices for the Memphis Police Department and other law enforcement agencies," said Tennessee Representative G.A. Hardaway.
Respond, make new discussions, see other discussions and customize your news...

To add this website to your home screen:

1. Tap tutorialsPoint

2. Select 'Add to Home screen' or 'Install app'.

3. Follow the on-scrren instructions.

Feedback
FAQ
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service