Three former Memphis police officers were found not guilty Wednesday of state charges, including second-degree murder, stemming from the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols after a traffic stop in 2023. The verdict followed a nine-day trial in state court.
A jury deliberated for approximately 8 1/2 hours over two days before clearing Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith of all state counts. In addition to second-degree murder, the former officers faced charges including aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct, and official oppression. After the verdict was read, the defendants showed emotion and embraced their legal counsel.
Despite the acquittal in state court, the three men still face potential prison time. They were previously convicted on federal charges last year in connection with Nichols’ death. Sentencing in the federal case was postponed pending the outcome of the state trial.
Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, died on Jan. 10, 2023, three days after the encounter with police. He ran from a traffic stop and was pursued by officers. Body camera and pole camera footage showed officers struggling with and hitting Nichols during the arrest attempt..Prosecutors contended the officers used excessive and deadly force driven by frustration and adrenaline after Nichols fled. They argued the officers were criminally responsible for each others’ actions during the incident and failed to intervene to stop the beating or inform medical personnel of the head injuries.
Defense attorneys maintained the officers acted in compliance with departmental policies and use-of-force standards. They suggested Nichols’ resistance was a primary factor in the escalation of the encounter..Former officer Desmond Mills Jr., who also faced charges, testified for the prosecution under a plea agreement covering both state and federal cases. Another former officer, Emmitt Martin, also agreed to plead guilty in the federal case and is expected to resolve state charges.
Mills testified he regretted not intervening but stated Nichols actively resisted being handcuffed. Defense lawyers presented arguments that officers were potentially disoriented by pepper spray or had tunnel vision during the struggle. They also noted that items found in Nichols' car after the stop, including credit cards not belonging to him and hallucinogenic mushrooms, might explain his decision to flee.
Defense experts testified that the officers on trial followed department policies. Read more about the state charges the officers faced. They argued that the fatal beating would not have happened if Nichols had complied with orders. A toxicology report indicated alcohol and a small amount of marijuana in Nichols' system.
Bean and Smith were convicted in federal court of witness tampering, while Haley was found guilty of using excessive force, indifference to medical needs, witness tampering, and conspiracy. Federal sentencing for all five officers involved is pending.
