On Friday, five former Memphis Police Department officers charged with the death of Tire Nichols, a 29-year-old black man who died days after being beaten by police in January, pleaded not guilty to murder. second degree and other charges, AP News reported.
The former officers also face charges of aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and oppressing an official in Shelby County Criminal Court.
At the impeachment hearing, Nichols’ mother, stepfather and their civil rights attorney were all present, as was the judge, who warned that the case could take some time and ordered the officers to work. with their attorney and be patient. The department fired the officers after an internal investigation found they violated department policies during the vehicle stop.
Tire Nichols was beaten with a baton during a traffic stop, died a few days later
So far, the department has fired a total of seven officers involved in the traffic stop as part of its ongoing investigation into Nichols’ death and has officially fired six officers. According to Shelby County assistant district attorney Paul Hagerman, the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filed.
Footage from the stop, which includes offensive, violent content, shows at least five officers kicking and punching Nichols or hitting him with batons and forcing him to lie on the ground for at least three minutes. Late last month, Memphis released at least some footage from the stop to the public. In the clips, Nichols is heard begging his mother as officers ignore his request for them to stop.
Tire Nichols’ mother reacts to Memphis officers plead not guilty
Tire Nichols‘ RowVaughn Wells’ mother responded after all five former Memphis police officers pleaded not guilty on Friday.
“I know my son is gone. I know I will never see him again, but we must begin this justice process now.”
“I know my son is gone. I know I will never see him again, but we must begin this justice process now.”
RowVaughn Wells, mother of Tire Nichols responds after all five former Memphis police officers pleaded not guilty on Friday: https://t.co/Byfvu9GjuE pic.twitter.com/0ug9djaDdj
– Associated Press (@AP) February 17, 2023
Initially, the department said officers stopped Nichols for reckless driving, but later said they were unable to substantiate his earlier claim after reviewing the footage. According to the attorney hired by the family, Nichols died in hospital on January 10, three days after being beaten. The Shelby County medical examiner’s office has not released an official cause of death for Nichols.
Hagerman said the defendants on bail will have another hearing on May 1. The investigation continues and the district attorney’s office is committed to ensuring that all those involved in the crime are brought to justice in this case, Hagerman said.
