1 year, 10 months ago

Sixth US police officer fired over beating death of Tyre Nichols

Five other officers had already been fired and charged with murder over the death of the 29-year-old Black man. The Memphis Police Department on Friday said it had fired a sixth officer involved in the arrest of Tyre Nichols, the 29-year-old African American whose fatal beating shocked the nation. Preston Hemphill, who had been in the southern US city’s police force since 2018, “violated multiple departmental policies,” including on “personal conduct,” “truthfulness” and regulations on Taser gun use, the department said in a statement. Gerald declined to comment on whether his client would also face criminal charges, but said of his cooperation with the investigation: “That speaks for itself.” Hemphill, a white man, had been suspended since the beginning of the department’s investigation, but that was not made public until Monday. Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy has said other police officers, fire department personnel and others who prepared documentation of the incident may also face criminal charges as more information becomes available.

Officer Nichols Hemphill traffic beating investigation fired department murder president nichols sixth tyre officers hemphill death public officer

History of this topic

2 weeks, 6 days ago

Memphis police ‘harm and demean’ people, DOJ says after issuing scathing report calling for reforms after Tyre Nichols’ death

CNN

CNN — A scathing report from the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division found the Memphis Police Department engages in a pattern of discriminatory policing, including violence against the disabled, and regularly violates the constitutional rights of its residents, particularly Black people. However, in a letter responding to the DOJ’s claims, the city of Memphis said it’s not ready to …

2 weeks, 6 days ago

Memphis cops use excessive force against Black people: US Justice Department

India Today

The Memphis Police Department uses excessive force and discriminates against Black people, according to the findings of a US Department of Justice investigation launched after the beating death of Tyre Nichols after a traffic stop in 2023. The report says that “Memphis police officers regularly violate the rights of the people they are sworn to serve.” “The people of Memphis …

2 weeks, 6 days ago

Memphis police use excessive force and discriminate against Black people, Justice Department finds

Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Police Department uses excessive force and discriminates against Black people, according to the findings of a U.S. Department of Justice investigation launched after the beating death of Tyre Nichols after a traffic stop in 2023. The report says that “Memphis police officers regularly violate the rights of the people they are sworn to serve.” “The …

3 weeks ago

Memphis police use excessive force and discriminate against Black people, Justice Department finds

LA Times

Members of the Memphis Police Department work a crime scene. A U.S. Department of Justice investigation found that Memphis police use excessive force and discriminate against Black people. The Memphis Police Department uses excessive force and discriminates against Black people, according to the findings of a U.S. Department of Justice investigation launched after the beating death of Tyre Nichols after …

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Split verdict reached in case of Memphis cops accused in Tyre Nichols beating case

The Independent

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2 months, 3 weeks ago

Mixed verdict for 3 Memphis officers convicted in Tyre Nichols’ fatal beating

LA Times

Attorney Ben Crump and RowVaughn Wells, Tyre Nichols’ mother, leave the federal courthouse in Memphis on Thursday. Gen. Kristen Clarke, who oversees the Justice Department’s civil rights division, said, “Tyre Nichols should be alive today.” “We hope this prosecution provides some measure of comfort as the law enforcement officers tied to his death have been held accountable,” Clarke said. They’re …

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Judge weighs jury instructions in trial of 3 former Memphis officers charged in Tyre Nichols' death

Hindustan Times

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A judge considered arguments Tuesday related to dozens of pages of instructions that will be given to jurors in the federal trial of three former Memphis police officers charged with violating Tyre Nichols’ civil rights in a beating that proved fatal following a 2023 traffic stop. Judge weighs jury instructions in trial of 3 former Memphis officers …

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Judge weighs jury instructions in trial of 3 former Memphis officers charged in Tyre Nichols’ death

Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A judge considered arguments Tuesday related to dozens of pages of instructions that will be given to jurors in the federal trial of three former Memphis police officers charged with violating Tyre Nichols’ civil rights in a beating that proved fatal following a 2023 traffic stop. Attorneys for Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith rested their …

2 months, 4 weeks ago

FBI agent says 2 officers accepted accountability in fatal beating of Tyre Nichols

Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — An FBI agent who interviewed two former Memphis police officers on trial in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols testified Thursday that they accepted accountability for participating. Householder said he interviewed Bean and Smith as part of the FBI’s investigation into the January 2023 beating. Smith added that he didn’t tell emergency medical technicians about punches delivered …

3 months ago

Memphis Officers Testify Condemning Beating Of Tyre Nichols

Huff Post

In this image from video released and partially edited by the city of Memphis, Tyre Nichols lies on the ground during a brutal attack by Memphis police officers on Jan. 7, 2023. City of Memphis via Associated Press Multiple former Memphis police officers condemned the policing tactics of their own department during high-profile testimony this week in the federal trial …

3 months ago

Ex-Memphis police supervisor says there was ‘no need’ for officers to beat Tyre Nichols

Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — There was “no need” for five Memphis police officers to punch, kick, and hit Tyre Nichols with a baton on the night he was fatally beaten after a traffic stop, their former supervisor testified Thursday in the federal trial for three of the officers. The former supervisor said he also speculated that Nichols could have been on …

3 months ago

A former officer texted a photo of the bloodied Tyre Nichols to his ex-girlfriend

Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A former Memphis police officer charged in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols sent his ex-girlfriend a photo of the badly injured man on the night he was punched, kicked and hit with a police baton following a traffic stop, according to trial testimony Wednesday. Brittany Leake, a Memphis officer and Demetrius Haley’s former girlfriend, testified during …

3 months, 1 week ago

Officers’ reports on fatal Tyre Nichols beating omitted punches and kicks, lieutenant testifies

Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Three former Memphis police officers broke department rules when they failed to say that they punched and kicked Tyre Nichols on required forms submitted after the January 2023 fatal beating, a police lieutenant testified Friday. Wright also trained the officers’ two former colleagues, Emmitt Martin and Desmond Mills Jr., who already have pleaded guilty to civil rights …

3 months, 1 week ago

Officers Who Beat Tyre Nichols Went Against Training Protocol, Lieutenant Testifies

Huff Post

This image from video released by the City of Memphis on Jan. 27, 2023, shows Tyre Nichols being attacked by five Memphis police officers on Jan. 7, 2023. City of Memphis via AP, File MEMPHIS — Memphis Police Department Lt. Larnce Wright said Thursday that three former officers charged in the death of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, did …

3 months, 1 week ago

Testimony begins in Tyre Nichols federal case involving 3 ex-Memphis officers

NPR

Testimony begins in Tyre Nichols federal case involving 3 ex-Memphis officers A Memphis jury heard opening statements in the federal trial of three former police officers — charged with violating the civil rights of Black motorist Tyre Nichols, who died after a traffic stop. MICHEL MARTIN, HOST: A jury in Memphis heard opening statements yesterday in the federal trial of …

3 months, 1 week ago

Trial Of 3 Officers Accused Of Beating Tyre Nichols To Death Begins With Grim Warning

Huff Post

Former Memphis Police Department officers, from top left: Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, and from bottom left, Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith. Memphis Police Department via AP, File MEMPHIS — Prosecutors in Memphis began opening arguments on Wednesday against the three officers on trial in the death of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man who was beaten …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

Officers pummeled Tyre Nichols because he fled, a form of ‘run tax,’ prosecutor says

Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Three former Memphis police officers charged in the January 2023 beating death of Tyre Nichols stood by his body and laughed after they punched, kicked and struck him with a baton in an attack that a prosecutor says was punishment because he tried to run away. “You won’t see Tyre Nichols pose a threat to these officers …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

Memphis police officers pummeled Tyre Nichols because he fled, a form of ‘run tax,’ prosecutor says

LA Times

The screen before an NBA basketball game in New Orleans honors Tyre Nichols on Jan. 28, 2023. Three former Memphis police officers charged in the January 2023 beating death of Tyre Nichols stood by his body and laughed after they punched and kicked him and hit him with a baton in an attack that a prosecutor says was punishment because …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

Jury is selected for the trial of 3 ex-Memphis officers charged in Tyre Nichols’ death

Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A jury was selected Tuesday for the federal trial of three former Memphis police officers charged with federal civil rights violations in the January 2023 beating death of Tyre Nichols. The three officers now facing trial, along with Martin and Mills, were fired for violating Memphis Police Department policies. Bill Lee on Tuesday told reporters that Nichols’ …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

Trial Over Tyre Nichols' Death Begins In Memphis

Huff Post

In this image from video released and partially redacted by the City of Memphis, Tyre Nichols lies on the ground during a brutal attack by police officers on Jan. 7, 2023, in Memphis. via Associated Press The federal trial over the death of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man who died after law enforcement officers beat him following a traffic …

4 months ago

A 2nd ex-Memphis officer pleads guilty in Tyre Nichols’ death. He could serve 40 years in prison

Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Federal prosecutors agreed to recommend a prison sentence of no more than 40 years for a former Memphis police officer who pleaded guilty Friday to federal civil rights violations in the 2023 fatal beating of Tyre Nichols. In a news conference with civil rights attorney Ben Crump after the hearing, Wells said it was “very emotional” and …

4 months ago

Tyre Nichols: Second former Memphis police officer changes his plea to guilty in beating death

CNN

CNN — A second former Memphis police officer facing federal civil rights charges in the violent arrest and beating death of Tyre Nichols changed his plea to guilty on Friday in federal court. “Today was very emotional, to hear another police officer plead guilty in my son’s murder,” RowVaughn Wells, Nichols’ mother, said after Martin’s court appearance. I will never …

4 months ago

Second former officer changing plea in Tyre Nichols death

CNN

CNN — A second former Memphis police officer charged in the violent arrest and beating death of Tyre Nichols intends to change his plea to guilty, according to federal court documents. Former Memphis Police Officer Emmitt Martin III had previously pleaded not guilty to charges related to the death of Nichols, the 29-year-old Black man who was beaten by Memphis …

7 months, 2 weeks ago

‘Where’s Ronald Greene’s justice?': 5 years on, feds still silent on Black motorist’s deadly arrest

Associated Press

— Mona Hardin has been waiting five long years for any resolution to the federal investigation into her son’s deadly arrest by Louisiana State Police troopers, an anguish only compounded by the fact that nearly every other major civil rights case during that time has passed her by. Every one of those cases happened months or years after the death …

8 months, 2 weeks ago

Police officers’ trial on civil rights charges in Tyre Nichols death to stay in Memphis, judge says

Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The federal trial of four former Memphis police officers charged with civil rights violations in the beating death of Tyre Nichols will be held in the city, a judge ruled Thursday. A document filed by lawyers for one of the officers, Emmitt Martin, said the trial atmosphere in Memphis has been “utterly corrupted by press coverage.” Norris …

8 months, 2 weeks ago

Judge denies officers' attempt to move federal trial in Tyre Nichols death out of Memphis

The Independent

Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The federal trial of four former Memphis police …

10 months, 1 week ago

Witness thought Tyre Nichols was already dead at the scene of police beating, new documents show

Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The city of Memphis on Wednesday released hundreds of pages of documents tied to the January 2023 fatal beating of Tyre Nichols by five police officers, including an account from a witness who saw Nichols slumped on the pavement and thought he was already dead. An initial incident report for Nichols’ arrest, included among the latest documents, …

10 months, 2 weeks ago

Federal trial of former Memphis officers in Tyre Nichols beating death pushed back 4 months

Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A judge on Thursday pushed back for four months the federal court trial of four former Memphis police officers charged with civil rights violations in the beating death of Tyre Nichols. “We just need additional time.” Police video showed officers yanked Nichols out of his car during a traffic stop on Jan. 7, 2023, after he was …

10 months, 2 weeks ago

Federal trial of former Memphis officers in Tyre Nichols beating death pushed back 4 months

The Independent

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10 months, 3 weeks ago

Prosecutors detail possible expert witnesses in federal case against officers in Tyre Nichols death

Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Police Department trainers are prepared to testify in the federal civil rights case against four former Memphis police officers in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols that the officers used force inconsistent with their training and failed to prevent their colleagues from hurting him, court documents showed. Meeting a judge’s deadline, prosecutors revealed in court filings …

10 months, 3 weeks ago

Tyre Nichols was initially pulled over on speeding accusation, a former Memphis officer says in newly released videos

CNN

CNN — Newly released videos from the city of Memphis, Tennessee, appear to shed light on the reason why Tyre Nichols was initially stopped by police last year – an encounter that eventually led to his death and sparked fresh protests over how police in America treat people of color. In a conversation captured on the body-worn cameras of two …

10 months, 3 weeks ago

Hours of additional video show what officers did and said after fatal beating of Tyre Nichols

Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — About 21 hours of newly released video and audio are revealing more about what first responders including the five fired police officers charged in the violent beating death of Tyre Nichols did and said the night Nichols was pulled over and mortally injured. But the same officer also said Nichols “stopped at the red light and put …

10 months, 3 weeks ago

Memphis releases new video of Tyre Nichols’ fatal arrest

CNN

CNN — Newly released video from the Tyre Nichols investigation shows Memphis police officers interacting with Nichols’ mother, RowVaughn Wells, on January 7, 2023, the night Nichols was beaten by police. In the video, Wells responds to officers telling her that Nichols was fighting with them by saying, “That’s not my son.” Wells also tells officers her son doesn’t drink …

11 months ago

Memphis, Tennessee, police chief to serve in interim role under new mayor

Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis police chief who was in charge when Tyre Nichols was fatally beaten by five officers will serve on an interim basis under a newly elected mayor, officials said Tuesday. The Memphis City Council had been set to vote Tuesday on whether to retain or replace Memphis Police Director Cerelyn “CJ” Davis, who has been under …

11 months, 3 weeks ago

Tyre Nichols' Death Didn't Change Much In Memphis

Huff Post

Tyre Nichols, 29, died after being brutally assaulted by police officers during a traffic stop last year. ‘Exact Same Culture’ In April, the Memphis City Council passed the Driver Equality Act — locals often call it the “Tyre Nichols ordinance” — which was meant to keep police from stopping drivers for minor traffic infractions. “The fact that you cannot put …

1 year ago

Tyre Nichols’ death: The 7th Memphis officer who was fired after Nichols’ beating is named in decertification document

CNN

CNN — The name of a seventh Memphis police officer who was fired shortly after the fatal January beating of Tyre Nichols is revealed in a March document collected by a state law enforcement training and certifying commission, CNN learned this week. Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, was violently beaten by Memphis police officers January 7 after he ran from …

1 year, 1 month ago

August trial date set for officers charged in Tyre Nichols killing

Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Tennessee judge on Monday set an August trial date for four former Memphis police officers charged in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols after a traffic stop in January. During a short hearing on Monday, Shelby County Criminal Court Judge James Jones Jr. announced the Aug. 12 trial date in the cases of Emmitt Martin, Tadarrius …

1 year, 1 month ago

Former police officer enters guilty plea in Tyre Nichols beating death

The Independent

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A former Memphis police …

1 year, 1 month ago

Former Memphis police officer pleads guilty to federal charges in Tyre Nichols’ death

Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A former Memphis police officer pleaded guilty Thursday in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols in exchange for prosecutors recommending a 15-year sentence, becoming the first of five officers charged in the case to admit guilt. Nichols’ mother and her husband said the possibility of 15 years in prison is “a start.” Nichols’ stepfather, Rodney Wells, noted …

1 year, 3 months ago

5th former Memphis officer pleads not guilty to federal civil rights charges in Tyre Nichols’ death

Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A fifth former Memphis police officer pleaded not guilty Thursday to federal civil rights charges in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols after a traffic stop. Emmitt Martin made his first federal court appearance since he and four former collagues were charged Tuesday with using excessive force and conspiring to lie about the Jan. 7 beating of …

1 year, 3 months ago

4 former officers plead not guilty to federal civil rights charges in Tyre Nichols beating

Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Four former Memphis police officers pleaded not guilty Wednesday to federal civil rights charges in the violent beating and death of Tyre Nichols after a traffic stop nine months ago. Kristen Clarke, who leads the U.S. Department of Justice’s civil rights division, said at a Tuesday news conference that the five former officers used excessive force, failed …

1 year, 3 months ago

Memphis officers charged in Tyre Nichols death face federal civil rights indictment

The Independent

1 year, 3 months ago

5 former officers charged with federal civil rights violations in Tyre Nichols beating death

Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Five former Memphis police officers were charged Tuesday with federal civil rights violations in the beating death of Tyre Nichols as they continue to fight second-degree murder charges in state courts arising from the killing. Kristen Clarke, who leads the U.S. Department of Justice’s civil rights division, said at the appearance that the five former officers used …

1 year, 3 months ago

Former US police officers face federal charges over death of Tyre Nichols

Al Jazeera

The five officers are already facing state-level charges for beating Nichols, who died in the hospital three days later. Five former police officers in the United States have been charged with federal civil rights violations in the beating death of Tyre Nichols, as they continue to fight second-degree murder charges in state courts. The new charges come nine months after …

1 year, 3 months ago

5 former police officers involved in deadly beating of Tyre Nichols indicted on federal charges

CNN

CNN — Five former Memphis police officers involved in the deadly police beating of Tyre Nichols have been indicted by a federal grand jury, according to court filings. The five former officers – Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith – are facing several charges, including federal civil rights, conspiracy, and obstruction offenses resulting …

1 year, 3 months ago

5 former Memphis officers charged in death of Tyre Nichols now also face federal charges

LA Times

Images provided by the Memphis, Tenn., Police Department show, top row from left, officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin, and bottom row from left, Desmond Mills and Justin Smith. The five former Memphis police officers are now facing federal civil rights charges in the beating death of Tyre Nichols. Five former Memphis police officers were charged Tuesday with federal …

1 year, 4 months ago

3 of 5 former Memphis officers charged in Tyre Nichols’ death want separate trials

Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Tennessee judge on Friday set a September court hearing to discuss requests by three of five former Memphis police officers charged in the death of Tyre Nichols to face separate trials. The three officers, plus former colleagues Demetrius Haley and Emmitt Martin, have pleaded not guilty to charges connected with Nichols’ beating, which was captured on …

1 year, 4 months ago

District Attorney drops more than 30 cases involving former officers charged in Tyre Nichols’ death

CNN

CNN — A district attorney in Tennessee dismissed more than 30 cases involving five former police officers who were charged with second-degree murder in the death of Tyre Nichols, according to a statement obtained by CNN affiliate WHBQ on Wednesday Shelby County District Attorney Steven Mulroy said his office reviewed approximately 100 cases involving the officers. Tyre Nichols Provided by …

1 year, 4 months ago

Justice Department investigating Memphis policing methods, months after Tyre Nichols’ death

Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The U.S. Department of Justice said Thursday it is investigating how Memphis Police Department officers use force and conduct arrests, nearly seven months after the violent beating of Tyre Nichols by five officers after a traffic stop strengthened nationwide calls for police reform. Federal authorities will look collectively at the Memphis Police Department’s “pattern or practice” of …

1 year, 4 months ago

Justice Dept announces broad investigation of Memphis police practices after Tyre Nichols death

The Independent

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