Justice for Tyre Nichols: Indictments Issued in Police Brutality Case

Written By Chris Samuel

Justice For Tyre

The five former police officers responsible for the brutal beating and subsequent death of Tyre Nichols have been indicted. The indictment includes charges of federal civil rights violations, conspiracy, and obstruction offenses.

Tyre Nichols
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Justice Begins

On September 12, justice was set in motion as Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr., and Justin Smith were indicted by a grand jury in the Federal District Court in Memphis.

The grand jury found that the former officers unlawfully assaulted Tyre Nichols and failed to intervene, resulting in his severe injuries and subsequent death. Moreover, they disregarded their duty to provide medical aid or inform medical responders about his injuries.

If convicted, the former officers could face up to life in prison for the two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law related to witness tampering and obstruction. These charges alone carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Not Guilty?

The five former officers had previously pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder charges at the state level. However, following the officers’ brutal assault of Nichols during a routine traffic stop on January 7 in Memphis, the United States Justice Department launched an investigation in July 2023.

Nichols, who was rushed to the hospital immediately after the incident, tragically succumbed to his injuries three days later.

Updated By: Chris Samuel (9/13/23 at 3:07 pm)

Tyre Nichols Case Update: Former Officers To Face Trial

The five former Memphis police officers charged with second-degree murder in the death of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols appeared in court on Friday, August 18, to review previous cases. The question of whether the five codefendants – Tadarrius Bean, Justin Smith, Desmond Mills, Demetrius Haley, and Emmit Martin III – will be tried together or separately has also been raised.

Separate Trial Requests

According to WMC Action News 5, significant progress has been made toward setting a trial date, as reported by prosecutor Paul Hagerman. 

Hagerman argues that:

“A law of criminal responsibility when different actors join together to commit a crime. We’re going to make that clear in our response.”

The former officers were not present in court, but Hagerman aims to have all defendants tried simultaneously when the case goes to trial. If the judge grants the motions for separate trials, there will be four separate trials concerning Tyre Nichols’ death.

Mills is now the third defendant to request a separate trial, following Bean and Smith. Mills’ attorney, Blake Ballin, filed a motion for severance, noting that there were two separate crime scenes on the night Nichols was killed and that his client was only present at one. 

“There is a danger potentially of a jury being confused, feeling that one or more of the defendants is guilty, and Mr. Mills is not guilty, but grouping them together prejudicially, mistakenly, and he may not get a fair trial,” said Ballin.

Next Court Appearance

Ballin expressed concerns over potential jury confusion and unfair trial due to grouping all defendants. Hailey and Martin have not requested separate trials, but Martin’s attorney highlights the absence of a potentially crucial piece of discovery for his client’s defense.

The next court appearance is scheduled for September 15, where a trial date will be set for the former officers. Justice continues to be sought for Tyre Nichols as progress is made in reviewing the case and determining how the trials will proceed.

Updated By: Aveon Sims (8/22/23 at 3:14 pm)

Justice For Tyre Nichols: Charges Dropped For 5 Officers Indicted In High-Profile Murder

In a shocking turn of events, the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office has dropped dozens of criminal cases being worked on by the five former Memphis police officers who were indicted concerning the murder of Tyre Nichols. This decision comes just weeks after the officers faced charges for their alleged involvement in Nichols’ death. 

100 Cases Reviewed

Uncovering the aftermath of the officers’ indictments, the DA’s office devoted time to reviewing the active cases handled by these individuals. WMC Action News 5 reports that 100 cases were reviewed, leading to a series of actions the prosecution took. 

Approximately 40 to 50 were ultimately dropped out of these cases, while about 10 saw reduced charges. Additionally, three to four cases were referred to the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee due to allegations of excessive force.

The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office has made it clear that the primary concern is the potential impact on these cases due to the involvement of discharged officers. The dropping of these cases raises concerns about the credibility of the discharged officers as witnesses, leading to a significant setback in these ongoing investigations. 

New Court Date Scheduled

The five former Memphis officers, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin, Justin Smith, Desmond Mills, and Tadarrius Bean, face many charges, including second-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping causing bodily injury, and aggravated assault, among others. The seriousness of these charges underscores the significance of the dropped cases, as it raises speculations about the officers’ conduct during their time in the force.

Commenters have expressed relief at dropping these cases, suggesting that the officers may have been involved in, “bad arrests or falsifying reports.”

 These allegations, if proven true, question the justice system’s integrity and highlight the need for accountability and transparency within law enforcement.

All five former officers were scheduled to appear in court on Friday, August 18, for a hearing. This hearing will address the motions the officers’ defense teams filed, requesting separate trials for each individual. The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office has clarified that they will oppose the severance, emphasizing the interconnected nature of the charges against the officers.

Justice Dept. Opens Investigation Into Memphis Police for Tyre Nichols’ Death

In a significant move towards seeking justice and accountability, the U.S. Department of Justice has announced a civil investigation into the city of Memphis and the Memphis Police Department (MPD). The investigation, launched on July 28, is focused on scrutinizing the MPD’s use of force, stops, searches, and arrests, with a particular emphasis on determining whether the department engages in discriminatory policing practices.

Tyre Nichols’ Death Spurs Federal Investigation

This investigation comes nearly seven months after the tragic death of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man who was a father and well-loved in his community. Nichols’ was brutally beaten by five Memphis police officers in January 2023, and succumbed to his injuries, leaving a community devastated and demanding answers.

The civil investigation is separate from the federal criminal civil rights investigation into Tyre Nichols’ death, which seeks to address policing practices and their impact on minority communities nationwide.

Attorney General Addresses “Serious Allegations”

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the investigation, remarking how “the tragic death of Tyre Nichols created enormous pain in the Memphis community and across the country.” He stated that the“serious allegations” against the City of Memphis and the MPD suggest a pattern of unconstitutional conduct and discriminatory policing based on race, including an overly aggressive approach to traffic enforcement. Garland assured that this investigation aims to restore trust and security in the Memphis community.

Assistant Attorney Kristen Clurke highlighted concerns about the MPD’s street enforcement approach. According to Clurke, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has “reviewed information that indicates that the Memphis Police Department may be using an approach to street enforcement that can result in violations of federal law, including racially discriminatory stops of Black people for minor violations.”

Investigation Will Include Community Outreach

As an advocate for the people of Memphis, Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta asserted that they will work to “deliver technical assistance resources” at their fingertips to help the city and MPD “address issues related to use of force, de-escalation, and specialized units.”

Mayor Jim Strickland, MPD Chief Cerelyn Davis, and Interim Chief Legal Officer Michael Fletcher have pledged their commitment to cooperating with the investigation. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division will also reach out to community members to “understand their experiences with the MPD”, ensuring that their voices are heard and taken into account.

Updated by Aveon SIms on July 28th, 2023.


Tyre Nichols’ Family Files $550 Million Lawsuit Against City Of Memphis & Police Dept.

The Family of Tyre Nichols has filed a lawsuit for $550 million against the City of Memphis and its police department for the death of Nichols. The lawsuit claims the indicted officers were undertrained.

Updated By: Chris Samuel (4/20/23 at 1:50 pm)

The family of Tyre Nichols has filed a lawsuit. The family is suing the City of Memphis and their police department for $550 million, according to CNN.

On April 19, the family of Nichols filed a lawsuit claiming that the officers who beat him were “unqualified, unsupervised, and undertrained” to be assigned to the special unit that night.

The lawyers for Nichols’ mother RowVaughn Wells filed the lawsuit, and in a statement, Wells said the fatal beating was a “direct and foreseeable product of the unconstitutional policies, practices, customs and deliberate indifference of the City of Memphis” along with its police officials.

All five officers were indicted for brutally assaulting Nichols on Jan. 7 in Memphis. Nichols died three days later due to his injuries. Memphis rapper Gloss Up touched on how she was affected by the death of Nichols in an interview, and fellow Memphis rapper NLEChoppa organized a peaceful protest and a skating charity event in honor of Nichols.

The Five Memphis Officers Charged With Tyre Nichols’ Death Plead “Not Guilty”

The five Memphis police officers charged with the alleged killing of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols recently pleaded not guilty. Earlier this month, Nichols’ funeral was led by his family and friends.

Updated By: Michael Omoruan (2/17/23 at 3:03 pm)

In a shocking turn of events, the five Memphis police officers charged for allegedly brutally beating and killing Tyre Nichols pleaded not guilty in the Shelby County Criminal Justice Center in Memphis, Tenn. on Feb. 17. 

Authorities have charged Emmitt Martin III, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills Jr, Justin Smith, and Tadarrius Bean with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct, and official oppression.

Celebrities have weighed in on the horrific footage released of the officers beating Tyre, including Barack and Michelle Obama.

“The vicious, unjustified beating of Tyre Nichols,” The Obamas’ post read. “And his ultimate death at the hands of five Memphis police officers is just the latest, painful reminder of how far America still has to go in fixing how we police our streets.” 

The Parents Of Tyre Nichols Lead Heartbreaking Funeral Service

The Funeral of Tyre Nichols, who was killed due to injuries from a violent arrest by Memphis police, was held on Feb. 1. His surviving family and Vice President Kamala Harris were also in attendance.

The funeral for the late 30-year-old Tyre Nichols was held on Feb. 1. Public figures, including Reverend Al Sharpton and Vice President Kamala Harris, attended the service. 

Updated By: Michael Omoruan (2/3/23 at 4:44 pm)

Remembering Tyre

Nichols’ family, including his parents, Royvaughn and Rodney Wells, were visibly distraught at his passing. They both stood at the pulpit to address those who could attend.

“First of all, I want to thank each and every one of you for coming out to pay tribute to my son,” his mother, Royvaughn said tearfully.  “Tyre was a beautiful person, and for this to happen to him is just unimaginable.”

@sohhdotcom

The family of Tyre Nichols speaks with mourners at the funeral today in Memphis. #hiphop #hiphopnews #music #sohh #sohhdotcom #tyrenichols #funeral #justice #restinpeace

♬ original sound – SOHH

His father, Rodney,  spoke of seeking justice for the officers who murdered his son and his goals in preventing future tragedies like the one the Nichols family are going through. 

“We’re looking forward to passing some bills. We’re looking forward to getting justice for all the families over there, not just others… We cannot continue to let these people brutalize our kids.”

@sohhdotcom

The family of Tyre Nichols speaks with mourners at the funeral today in Memphis. #hiphop #hiphopnews #music #sohh #sohhdotcom #tyrenichols #funeral #justice #restinpeace

♬ original sound – SOHH

Omega Psi Phi Denounces The 3 Officers Involved In The Brutal Killing Of Tyre Nichols

The Black Greek fraternity Omega Psi Phi has denounced and rescinded the membership of three of the officers involved in the brutal attack on Tyre Nichols.  The prestigious organization counts among its notable members’ poet laureate Langston Hughes, Michael Jordan, and civil rights leader Jesse Jackson.

While funeral services were underway on Tuesday (1/31)  in Memphis for Tyre Nichols, the Omega Psi Phi fraternity denounced the three Black officers involved in the senseless attack of Tyre Nichols. 

The denouncement follows after the fraternity originally faced backlash for releasing a general statement acknowledging the death of the 30-year-old skateboarder without mentioning that three of the officers were members of the frat. 

In a statement on official Omega Psi Phi fraternity letterhead, Ricky L. Lewis, who is the current Grand Basileus of the 111-year-old organization, offered his condolences to the family as he condemned the three officers.

“A few days ago, on behalf of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, we joined with all other caring, thoughtful, decent, and fair-minded people in America and around the world in extending our deepest sympathy to the family of Tyre Nichols.” 

The statement continued, “We have since learned that three of the former Memphis police officers involved in the horrific incident were members of our organization. That is devastating! Effective immediately, the Fraternity has revoked the membership of the three former Memphis police officers and all related privileges they may have enjoyed as members of our Fraternity.”

Updated By: Nicole Bartley (2/1/23 at 5:41 pm)

6th Memphis Police Officer Who Brutalized Tyre Nichols “Relieved” Of Duty

Memphis police identified a sixth officer, Preston Hemphill, a white officer who was also involved in the brutal killing of Tyre Nichols. Hemphill was the third responding officer, according to body cam footage released on Jan. 27.

Updated By: Nadya Nataly (1/30/23 at 3:24 pm)

Amid the investigation of the death of Tyre Nichols, Memphis police identified Preston Hemphill as the sixth officer relieved of duty.

“…And by ‘relieved of duty’ they mean administrative leave,” Olayemi Olurin, attorney and political commentator, clarified on Twitter.

In a separate tweet, Olurin also said the five Black officers including one white officer brutalized Nichols to death. However, the white officer was not mentioned and was quietly “relieved of duty” by the morning of Jan. 30.

“The [five] Black officers were fired, charged with murder, and had their faces plastered everywhere, three days after the murder. ” Olurin’s tweet read. “The white officer wasn’t mentioned and was quietly “relieved of duty”  yesterday.  America,” he said.

Memphis police released body camera footage of the Jan. 7 traffic stop. 

Hemphill’s attorney, Lee Gerald, said Hemphill was the third officer at the traffic stop. Gerald argued that Hemphill was not present at the second scene where Nichols was beaten to death by the other five officers —Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith. 

All were charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct, and official oppression, except for Hemphill, who was only  “relieved of duty” at the time of press.

Memphis Police Officers Indicted For Assault And Murder Of Tyre Nichols + Video Footage To Be Released

Five Memphis police officers charged with assaulting and killing Tyre Nichols have been arrested. The officers have since been terminated, and footage of the assault is expected to be released on Jan. 27.

All Cops Hit With Charges

The five police officers charged with the assault of Memphis native Tyre Nichols were fired on Jan. 20 and booked into Shelby County Jail on Jan. 26. The disgraced officers bonded on Jan. 27.

The charges for each officer include official misconduct, official oppression, second-degree murder, aggravated assault, and aggravated kidnapping.  

A Memphis Tragedy

Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old man from Memphis, was assaulted on Jan. 7 during a traffic stop in his neighborhood. Nichols passed away from his injuries on Jan. 10.

In a Thursday press conference, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said the video footage of the assault is to be released around 6 p.m. on Jan. 27. In a video, Nichols’ mother asked attendees at her son’s vigil not to riot when the video is released.

One user on Twitter says the video. “must be bad” if riots are being planned after the footage is released.

A narrative floating around Twitter says since all cops were Black, it is not racist. However, it is still police brutality. In the past, Atlanta rapper T.I. has said police brutality is a problem overall, not just racial

One mother who also spoke out about her son being murdered was Michelle Kenney, whose son Antwon Rose, Jr., was fatally shot by police in 2016.

Justice For Tyre

An investigation was commenced by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for the use of force by police officers.

Cases such as Nichols’s murder have happened in the past where Black people were assaulted or killed. Texas woman Atatiana Jefferson was shot fatally in her home in 2019, and the police officer who shot her was found guilty of manslaughter. 

Rap legend Jay-Z has been a notable advocate of prison and police reform. With his company, Roc Nation, Jay-Z has started a social justice coalition and has worked with departments across the country to fire and arrest corrupt police officers. 

Memphis rapper CMG boss Yo Gotti has also worked with Roc Nation, including speaking at summits to promote prison and police reform.

Originally Written By: Chris Samuel

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Written by Chris Samuel

Chris Samuel is a North Carolina native who has a passion for writing but is also a big history buff and is a sports reporter in the side. Chris is an avid hip-hop fan whose favorite artists include J. Cole, JID, Larry June, Griselda, Freddie Gibbs, NaS, Joey Bada$$ and also Old School R&B.

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