MEMPHIS, TN - A jury in Tennessee found three former Memphis police officers not guilty on all counts in the death of Tyre Nichols. The verdict was delivered Wednesday after a trial that examined the events of January 2023, when Nichols died following a traffic stop.
Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith, all former members of the Memphis Police Department's now-disbanded SCORPION unit, were charged with aggravated assault and official misconduct. Prosecutors argued that the officers used excessive force, leading to Nichols' death. The defense maintained that the officers acted within their training and were responding to Nichols' resistance.
The case garnered widespread attention, fueling nationwide protests and calls for police reform. The body camera footage of the incident sparked outrage and intensified the debate over police brutality, particularly against Black individuals. The Nichols family has been vocal in their pursuit of justice and expressed their devastation following the jury's decision.
While these three officers have been acquitted, two other officers involved in the incident are scheduled to stand trial later this year. A fifth officer pleaded guilty earlier this year. The Department of Justice is also conducting a federal investigation into the matter.
Ex-Memphis Officers Acquitted in Tyre Nichols' Death
A Tennessee jury acquitted three former Memphis police officers of all charges related to the death of Tyre Nichols in January 2023. The officers were accused of fatally beating Nichols during a traffic stop. The verdict concluded a trial that drew national attention and reignited discussions about police brutality and accountability. The Nichols family expressed disappointment with the outcome.