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All 5 officers charged in Tyre Nichols’ death removed or failed to activate their body-worn cameras

The Truth News — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 22:13:56 +0000

All 5 officers charged in Tyre Nichols’ death removed or failed to activate their body-worn cameras.
They were caught by a ‘sky cop’ camera installed to monitor crime hotspots.

All 5 officers charged in Tyre Nichols’ death failed to capture the entire incident on body cameras.
3 of the 5 removed their cameras during the still-active scene, according to new police docs.
All 5 officers were fired and have since been charged with second-degree murder.

All five Memphis Police officers charged in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols failed to capture the entire encounter on their body-worn cameras, and three of the five fully removed their body-worn cameras during the still-active scene, according to newly-released police documents obtained by Insider.

Following Nichols’ death, the police department released portions of responding officers’ body-worn camera footage, as well as CCTV video of the encounter. The most thorough accounting of the deadly confrontation, however, came from controversial “sky cop” cameras that are installed throughout Memphis in crime hotspots and have cost the city more than $10 million.

Police documents obtained by Insider on Tuesday paint a picture of repeated missteps by responding officers, one of whom admitted to taking and then sharing a photo of Nichols, bloodied, bruised, and handcuffed on his personal cellphone in the aftermath of the confrontation.

The Tennessee Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission, a state board agency, received the police documents late last month as part of five decertification requests made by the Memphis Police Department for the five officers involved.

Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr., Justin Smith, Demetrius Haley, and Tadarrius Bean were all fired and have since been charged with second-degree murder in Nichols’ death.

On the evening of Jan. 7, Memphis police officers stopped Nichols on suspicion of “reckless driving,” though police officials have since said they haven’t found evidence that Nichols was driving erratically. An initial confrontation between Nichols and several officers ensued as they pulled him out of his vehicle and pushed him to the ground.

A second confrontation occurred after Nichols got up and ran away as an officer tried to Tase him. Body-camera footage showed several officers beating Nichols while he was on the ground.

Nichols died three days after the traffic stop.

Tennessee policy requires officers to activate their body cameras during “all law enforcement encounters and activities.”

But investigators said Martin failed to activate his body-worn camera during the first confrontation with Nichols. “At some point,” he also removed the camera from his duty vest and placed it in an unmarked vehicle, according to the documents.

According to the records, Bean also removed his body-worn camera from his duty vest and put it on the trunk of a squad car during the “active scene” and then walked away from the device while it was still recording in order to have a conversation with his fellow officers about the incident.

Mills’s camera caught the initial interaction with Nichols, officials said, but the officer later removed his duty vest and placed it on the trunk of an unmarked vehicle with the camera still attached.

Both Haley and Smith also failed to capture the encounter with Nichols in its entirety, according to police records.

Six cops in total have been fired as a result of the beating, and seven more officers with the department are facing an internal investigation and possible discipline, the City of Memphis announced Tuesday.

Erin Snodgrass, Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert, and Haven Orecchio-Egresitz source

Tyre Nichols – MURDERED BY DIRTY PIGS

ENJOY LIFE AFTER THIS GUILTY OR NOT BY A COURT WONT MATTER YOUR NAMES ARE FINISHED
IF YOU END UP GUILTY ITS ADSEG SINGLE MAN CELL 23 HOUR LOCKDOWN FOR EX-COPS OR MAINLINE AND TORTURED!
IF YOU END UP NOT-GUITLY IN COURT, THE STREETS AND THE BUSINESS WORLD GOT YOU COVERED!

The image from video released on Jan. 27, 2023, by the City of Memphis, shows Tyre Nichols on the ground as medics arrive during a brutal attack by five Memphis police officers on Jan. 7, 2023, in Memphis, Tenn.

Tyre Nichols Story: US Congress needs to urgently pass police reform laws that ban chokeholds

The Truth News — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 22:02:48 +0000

Tyre Nichols Murdered by Criminal (PIGS)

Cops do not behave in this manner, PIGS DO! , a Good officer has temperance and is civic minded, not a band of gang members teaming up committing the exact very same crimes they are said to protect us citizens from…Being assaulted to death!

Tyre Nichols Story: US Congress needs to urgently pass police reform laws that ban chokeholds

Tyre Nichols’ lawyer calls on US Congress to urgently pass police reform laws that ban chokeholds in the wake of his shocking death at the hands of five cops who beat him ‘like a pinata’

Ben Crump has urged Congress to pass George Floyd Justice in Policing Act
Footage of Tyre Nichols’ death was released Friday, sparking outrage

WE MAY NEED COPS, BUT WE NEED GOOD ONES, NOT CRIMINALS WITH A BADGE HIDING LIKE COWARDS WITH IMMUNITY FROM THE SAME CRIMES THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO STOP!

The lawyer representing the family of Tyre Nichols has urged Congress to immediately pass police reform laws that ban chokeholds in the wake of his death.

The 29-year-old FedEx worker was savagely beaten to death by five cops in Memphis, Tennessee, earlier this month, shocking footage released Friday showed.

Protests continued to sweep across the country last night calling for the police to be defunded after the five officers were fired and charged with murder pending a bond arraignment on February 17.

Ben Crump said he and the Nichols family spoke with President Joe Biden on Friday and urged him to use Nichols’ death to galvanize support for the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

The bill, which aims to stop aggressive law enforcement tactics, passed the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives in 2021 but stalled in the Senate. Joe Biden on Thursday called on Congress to send the legislation to his desk.

‘Shame on us if we don’t use his tragic death to finally get the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act passed,’ Crump told CNN’s ‘State of the Union.’

Crump said he and the Nichols family had spoken with President Joe Biden on Friday and urged him to use Nichols’ death to galvanize support for the act’s passage.

Nichols’ mother was coping with her son’s death by believing he was destined to change the world, Crump said on ABC’s ‘This Week’ on Sunday.

‘She believes in her heart Tyre was sent here for an assignment and that there is going to be greater good that comes from this tragedy.’

Nichols’ death is the latest high-profile example of police using excessive force against black people and other minorities.

Crump said Nichols’ death should finally prompt lawmakers to act.

‘It is this culture that says it doesn’t matter whether the police officers are black or Hispanic or white, that it is somehow allowed for you to trample on the constitutional rights of certain citizens from certain ethnicities and certain communities,’ Crump said on CNN.

Republican House of Representatives Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan, appearing on NBC’s ‘Meet the Press,’ cautioned against rushing into new legislation to create new mandates for police.

‘These five individuals did not have any respect for life. And again, I don’t think these five guys represent the vast, vast majority of law enforcement. But I don’t know if there’s anything you can do to stop the kind of evil we saw in that video,’ he said.

Five officers, all black, are charged with Nichols’ murder after video captured on bodycams and a street surveillance camera showed them violently confronting Nichols on January 7.

Nichols was hospitalized and died of his injuries three days later in the city where he lived with his mother and stepfather and worked at FedEx.

The Memphis Police Department on Saturday disbanded the SCORPION unit to which the officers belonged, as protests took place in US cities a day after harrowing video of the attack was released.

Scorpion stands for Street Crimes Operations to Restore Peace in our Neighborhoods.

The Memphis police chief, Cerelyn ‘CJ’ Davis, disbanded the unit on Saturday.

‘It is in the best interest of all to permanently deactivate the Scorpion unit,’ she said in a statement.

Prior to the move by Davis, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said it was clear that the officers involved in the attack on Nichols violated the department´s policies and training.

‘The world is watching us,’ Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said. ‘If there is any silver lining to be drawn from this very dark cloud, it´s that perhaps this incident can open a broader conversation about the need for police reform.’

Biden joined national civil rights leaders in similar calls to action.

‘To deliver real change, we must have accountability when law enforcement officers violate their oaths, and we need to build lasting trust between law enforcement, the vast majority of whom wear the badge honorably, and the communities they are sworn to serve and protect,’ the President said.

A GoFundMe set up for the Nichols family has already raised more than $1million in donations since it was created on Saturday.

The five unanswered questions

Days after sickening footage was revealed of the brutal beating of Tyre Nichols in Memphis, Tennessee, several questions remain including why he was pulled over in the first place and what was ultimately his cause of death.

The footage has left many unanswered questions about the traffic stop involving the black motorist and the role played by police officers who stood by as he lay motionless on the pavement.

The five disgraced Memphis Police Department officers have been fired and charged with second-degree murder and other crimes in Nichols’ death three days after the arrest.

The video released Friday also renewed questions about how fatal encounters with law enforcement continue even after repeated calls for change.

The recording shows police savagely beating Nichols, a 29-year-old FedEx worker, for three minutes while screaming profanities at him in an assault that the Nichols family legal team has likened to the infamous 1991 police beating of Los Angeles motorist Rodney King.

Nichols calls out for his mother before his limp body is propped against a squad car and the officers exchange fist-bumps.

Memphis Police Director Cerelyn ‘CJ’ Davis has said that other officers are under investigation, and Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner said two deputies have been relieved of duty without pay while their conduct is investigated.

Rodney Wells, Nichols’ stepfather, said the family would ‘continue to seek justice,’ noting that several other officers failed to render aid, making them ‘just as culpable as the officers who threw the blows.’

The arrest was made by the so-called Scorpion unit, which has three teams of about 30 street officers who target violent offenders in areas beset by high crime. The unit has since been disbanded.

What was the probable cause for the initial traffic stop?

Questions swirled around what led to the traffic stop in the first place.

One officer can be heard saying that Nichols wouldn’t stop and then swerved as though he intended to hit the officer’s car.

The officer said that when Nichols pulled up to a red light, the officers jumped out of the car.

‘We tried to get him to stop,’ the officer said. ‘He didn’t stop.’

Officers also initially said Nichols was pulled over for reckless driving, but on Friday police said there was no police evidence to back up such a claim.

Indeed, the video footage that was released only started after police confronted him at an intersection. The initial traffic stop does not appear to have been filmed but it is not clear why.

Chief Davis said the department cannot substantiate the reason for the stop.

‘We don’t know what happened,’ she said. ‘All we know is the amount of force that was applied in this situation was over the top.’

Tyre Nichols is pictured handcuffed on the ground surrounded by cops during his violent arrest earlier this month

After the first officer roughly pulls Nichols out of a car, Nichols can be heard saying, ‘I didn’t do anything,’ as a group of officers begins to wrestle him to the ground.

One officer is heard yelling, ‘Tase him! Tase him!’

Nichols calmly says, ‘OK, I’m on the ground.’

‘You guys are really doing a lot right now,’ Nichols says. ‘I’m just trying to go home.’

‘Stop, I’m not doing anything!’ he yells moments later.

Nichols is also initially compliant with the officers’ requests although he is confused by their hostility towards him and lies on the ground as told to while police try to handcuff him. It’s unclear if he had any prior encounters with any of the cops involved.

Nichols can then be seen running after an officer fires a Taser at him. His mother’s home, where he lived, was only a few houses away from the scene of the beating, and his family said he was trying to get there. The officers then start chasing Nichols.

Other officers are called, and a search ensues before Nichols is caught at another intersection. The officers beat him with a baton, kick and punch him, then pepper spray him with police anger towards him only growing.

Nichols scrambles to his feet and runs. One officer yells: ‘Taser, taser!’ Nichols continues running, taking his t-shirt partially off as he runs

Which officer did what during the violence that killed Nichols?

Security camera footage shows three officers surrounding Nichols as he lies in the street cornered between police cars, with a fourth officer nearby.

Two officers hold Nichols to the ground as he moves about, and then the third appears to kick him in the head. Nichols slumps more fully onto the pavement with all three officers surrounding him. The same officer kicks him again.

The fourth officer then walks over, draws a baton, and holds it up at shoulder level as two officers hold Nichols upright as if he were sitting.

‘I’m going to baton the f*** out you,’ one officer can be heard saying. His body camera shows him raise his baton while at least one other officer holds Nichols. The officer strikes Nichols on the back with the baton three times in a row.

The other officers then appear to hoist Nichols to his feet, with him flopping like a doll, barely able to stay upright.

An officer then punches him in the face, as the officer with the baton continues to hit him. Nichols stumbles and turns, still held up by two officers. The officer who punched him then walks around to Nichols’ front and punches him four more times. Then Nichols collapses.

Two officers can then be seen atop Nichols on the ground, with a third nearby, for about 40 seconds. Three more officers then run up, and one can be seen kicking Nichols on the ground.

As Nichols is slumped against a car, not one of the officers renders aid. The body camera footage shows one of them reaching down and tying his shoe.

Court records showed that all five former officers — Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills Jr., Emmitt Martin III, and Justin Smith — were taken into custody.

Second-degree murder is punishable by 15 to 60 years in prison under Tennessee law.

Why didn’t cops render aid to Nichols after he became unresponsive – and why did EMTs wait until 20 minutes after arriving to help him out?

It takes more than 20 minutes after Nichols is beaten and on the pavement before any sort of medical attention is provided, even though two fire department officers arrived on the scene with medical equipment within 10 minutes.

During the wait for an ambulance, officers joked and aired grievances. They complained that a handheld radio was ruined, that someone lost a flashlight and that multiple officers had been caught in the crossfire of the pepper spray used against Nichols.

Throughout the videos, officers make claims about Nichols’ behavior that are not supported by the footage or that the district attorney and other officials have said did not happen.

In one of the videos, an officer claims that during the initial traffic stop Nichols reached for the officer’s gun before fleeing and almost had his hand on the handle, which is not shown in the video.

After Nichols is in handcuffs and leaning against a police car, several officers say that he must have been high.

Later an officer says no drugs were found in his car, and another officer immediately counters that Nichols must have ditched something while he was running away.

After medics arrived on the scene it was a further 20 minutes before a stretcher was brought into view and an ambulance arrived.

It is not clear how much longer it was before Nichols was taken to the hospital.

What was Nichols’ cause of death?

Video released on Friday shows at least 10 cops and two paramedics milling about casually for nearly 20 minutes as Nichols lies on the ground critically injured.

He died in hospital three days later in intensive care on January 10 after suffering cardiac arrest and kidney failure as a result of his injuries.

Police were seen kicking him in the head twice with blood visible around his face.

Authorities have not released an autopsy report that would explain exactly which injuries killed him – and how they were inflicted.

An independent autopsy found he suffered ‘extensive bleeding caused by a severe beating.’

The video raises disturbing questions about the apparent lack of action from first responders to treat Nichols after he was kicked and punched in the head, struck three times with a metal baton, and twice sprayed with pepper spray in the face.

Paramedics arrived on the scene about five minutes after the assault on Nichols concluded, at which point he was handcuffed and slumped against the side of a car.

The video shows a paramedic leaning over Nichols asking: ‘What’d you have? We’re trying to get you straight, what’d you have?’

Nichols is heard making a gurgling noise, but appears unable to speak, although he had been heard speaking clearly and relatively calmly before the assault.

Officers at the scene were heard remarking that Nichols was ‘on something’ and ‘high as a kite’ as they wisecracked after the assault.

Cops may have advised the paramedics that Nichols was on drugs, though no evidence that he was has emerged in the weeks following the assault.

By JACK NEWMAN FOR MAILONLINE source

A Message to Team Members on the Death of Tyre Nichols

Nichols was a supply chain worker at one of the package carrier’s Memphis warehouses.

4 of the 5 officers charged in Tyre Nichols’ death had prior violations at work

The Truth News — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 10:47:13 +0000

4 of the 5 officers charged in ‘Tyre Nichols’ death had prior violations at work

The image from video released on Jan. 27, 2023, by the City of Memphis, shows police officers talking after a brutal attack on Tyre Nichols by five Memphis police officers on Jan. 7, 2023, in Memphis, Tenn. Nichols died on Jan. 10. The five officers have since been fired and charged with second-degree murder and other offenses.

Four of the five former Memphis Police officers who have been charged in the death of Tyre Nichols had previous infractions with the department, according to Memphis police personnel records shared with NPR.

Former officers Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills, Emmitt Martin, Justin Smith and Tadarrius Bean were fired Jan. 20 and are now being charged with murder. Video of the Jan. 7 incident was released Friday.

Four of those officers — Haley, Martin, Mills and Smith — were reprimanded or suspended earlier for their failure to report when they used physical force, failure to report a domestic dispute, or for damages sustained to their squad cruisers, according to the files from Memphis police. Bean did not have any reprimands or suspensions in the files.

The two discipline cases about the use of force focused on whether the officers filed the required reports about the incidents and did not appear to examine if the officers’ used of force was warranted.

Here is a look at the officers’ records:

Demetrius Haley

Haley started at the department in August 2020. He violated department policy when, in February 2021, he did not fill out a response to resistance form after he grabbed a woman’s arm to handcuff her. The forms must be filled out if an officer uses any part of their body “to compel compliance,” according to the file.

In a hearing regarding the incident, Haley said he misjudged the amount of force needed to warrant filling out the form. His lieutenant said Haley was a “hard-working officer” who “routinely makes good decisions” and “he was sure that this was a limited event.” Haley was given a written reprimand.

In August 2021, Haley crashed into a stop sign while responding to a call about an aggravated assault and was given a traffic ticket. During the hearing about the incident, Haley said that as he was driving to the scene, a call came over the radio that one of the responding officers was holding the suspect at gunpoint and that he sped there “only thinking about the officer’s safety.”

The hearing officer wrote that “Officer Haley took full ownership for the accident and was very humble during the hearing” and the violation was dismissed.

Desmond Mills, Jr.

Mills graduated with a degree in criminal justice from West Virginia State University in 2013 and began at the Memphis Police Department in March 2017.

In March 2019, Mills violated procedure when he dropped his personal digital assistant (PDA) into the street while entering his squad car. The device was then run over by a separate car.

It was Mills’ first infraction, and he immediately reported the incident to his union representative, so he received a written reprimand, according to department records.

Later that month, Mills failed to file a response to resistance form when he used physical force to take a woman down to the ground so she could be handcuffed and arrested. In the hearing in August 2021, Mills said he did not realize his actions necessitated use of the form and was again issued a written reprimand.

Emmitt Martin III

Martin graduated from Bethel University in 2015 with a degree in criminal justice and started at the department in March 2018.

In March 2019, a loaded handgun was found in the rear passenger side of a squad car used by Martin and his partner. Martin said he failed to do a proper pre- and post-shift inspection, and only inspected the car from the outside. During his shift that day, he and his partner conducted two traffic stops, in which the suspects were placed in the backseat where the gun was found. Additionally, the officers did not do inspections after the suspects left the vehicle, as is protocol. Martin was issued a three-day suspension without pay, according to the files.

In September 2020, Martin violated protocol by mishandling a domestic abuse complaint between two sisters, one of whose husband requested a report. Martin did not take the report and said he did not believe one was necessary, reasoning that the parties involved were intoxicated and the man’s wife – the alleged victim of abuse – did not want the report. The responding officers, including Martin, threatened the involved parties that if they had to take a report, both sisters would be arrested, according to department records.

A fellow officer and lieutenant at the disciplinary hearing defended Martin, saying the victim didn’t want a report and Martin is not one to “shirk responsibility.”

“Memphis Police Officers are directed by department policy and state law to make a complete report on the scene of Domestic abuse calls,” the hearing officer wrote. “Officer[s] cannot base their decision to arrest based [on] the victim’s consent or on the perception of the victim’s willingness to cooperate with prosecution.”

Martin was issued a one-day suspension without pay.

In a 2021 performance evaluation, Martin ranked as exceeding expectations in dealing with the public.

“Officer Martin is respectful when dealing with others regardless of their sex, race, age, or rank,” the evaluation stated. “He approaches his calls with a positive attitude and is well received when dealing with the public. He is continually a top leader in arrests and calls, and not one person he has arrested has complained.”

Justin Smith

Smith began at the department in March 2018. In January 2021, he was passing a vehicle and crashed into its rear, causing it to spin and crash into a third vehicle, which had two people inside. All parties were sent to the hospital in non-critical condition.

Smith said the driver of the second vehicle went right and then left into his lane suddenly. He admitted to speeding, but said his memory was somewhat unclear due to his minor head injury from the airbag, according to a summary from the disciplinary hearing.

Smith was issued a citation, suspended for two days without pay and ordered to take remedial driver training.

Tadarrius Bean

Bean started with Memphis police in August 2020. He had no prior infractions from the department on his record.

By Ayana Archie

First police report in Tyre Nichols case does not match video of deadly beating

The Truth News — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 06:52:19 +0000

First police report in Tyre Nichols case does not match video of deadly beating

An initial police report filed in the hours after the Tyre Nichols traffic stop suggested he was violent and made claims that were contradicted by video later released by police.

Nichols was subdued on the ground yet continuously beaten after the stop by Memphis police on January 7. He died three days later.

The initial police report said Nichols “started to fight” with officers and at one point grabbed one of their guns. But neither claim was substantiated by police videos released last week.

And despite the fact that the videos don’t appear to show Nichols fighting back, the report identified Nichols as a suspect in an aggravated assault.

The police report did not mention the officers punching and kicking Nichols.

One of the officers at the scene – who has since been charged with second-degree murder – was described in the report as a “victim.”

The report also claimed Nichols, who was Black, was pulled over for reckless driving at a high speed – another claim that is not substantiated by video of the encounter.

While authorities have not released the police report, a photo of a police report was posted by a controversial Memphis radio talk show host. The police report account was first reported by The New York Times.

Shelby County District Attorney spokesperson Erica Williams told CNN “the DA does have a report that has that same account of events.”

The report said Nichols was irate and sweating profusely when he got out of his vehicle and refused lawful detention by law enforcement. The use of pepper spray and a Taser stun gun had no effect on Nichols, the report stated.

The report also listed E. Martin as a “victim.” One of the five officers charged with second-degree murder in Nichols’ death is Emmitt Martin III.

It’s not clear who wrote the police report, which references both the Memphis Police Department and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

CNN’s calls to Memphis police have not been returned.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office refused to comment on the statements in the police report or the sheriff department’s role in it.

“The release of reports in connection with the investigation is unauthorized and the Sheriff’s Office cannot comment,” spokesperson John Morris told CNN.

While the report doesn’t reflect what is shown on the police body cam footage and Skycop street camera footage of the encounter, it does seem to reflect what the officers were discussing after Nichols was subdued and handcuffed by police the night of the beating.

CNN has previously reported that the initial public statement from police was also contradicted by the videos. There are other videos and audio clips that will be released later.

“More recordings to come when the administrative investigation is complete,” the city’s top attorney said in a statement, referring to internal probes into the actions of police officers, fire department personnel and others.

“Mr. Nichols’ family and attorneys have been afforded an opportunity to view the entirety of the audio and video footage privately until it can be released publicly,” Chief Legal Officer Jennifer Sink said.

They beat on him like he was nothing,’ brother says

Protesters gather Saturday in New York to denounce the police beating of Tyre Nichols in Memphis.

For the first time since Nichols was fatally beaten, his brother Jamal Dupree is speaking publicly about the horror and anguish his family lives with every day.

“It’s like a never-ending nightmare,” Dupree told “CNN This Morning” on Tuesday.

Dupree has not watched the video of his 29-year-old brother getting beaten with a baton and kicked in the head. He said he doesn’t need to see it.

“As soon as I seen them photos from him in the hospital, I already knew that they treated my brother like an animal,” Dupree said. “They beat on him like he was nothing. I don’t have to watch the video to know that.”

After public outrage over the gruesome video, officials have announced more firings or disciplinary action against public servants at the scene.

In addition to the firings of five Black Memphis police officers – all of whom face murder charges – officials have announced the firings of three Memphis Fire Department personnel.

Two sheriff’s deputies have been put on leave. And the police department acknowledged Monday that two more police officers had been put on leave.

“We are looking at everybody who had any kind of involvement in this incident,” from the officers and paramedics on scene to those who filed the paperwork, Shelby County District Attorney Steven Mulroy said Monday.

Prosecutors moved “extraordinarily quick” with charges against the five officers “primarily responsible for the death of Tyre Nichols,” the prosecutor said. “As to everybody else, it’s going to take some time as we do that investigation. But I assure you the investigation’s ongoing.”

The release of grisly footage of the attack on Nichols again horrified a nation that’s faced a steady stream of videos of police violence, especially against people of color.

The deadly encounter started with police pulling Nichols over for what they initially said was suspected reckless driving and unfolds at two locations.

Video released Friday shows Nichols running away after officers yanked him out of a car and used pepper spray and a Taser to try to make him lie prone; and then officers catching up to him at a second location, where he is repeatedly kicked and beaten.

After his hands are restrained and he’s left slumped to the ground, roughly 23 minutes pass before a gurney arrives at the scene. Nichols died at a hospital of his injuries three days later, authorities said.

Nichols’ brother feels guilty he couldn’t save him

Dupree said he felt it was his duty to protect his little brother. Now, he says he’s racked with guilt because he couldn’t save him.

“My brother was trying to cooperate with them,” Dupree said.

“If I was there, they would have had to kill me, too. Because I would have fought all of them.”

He said he wants everyone to remember how much joy Nichols brought to the world.

“My brother’s legacy is everywhere right now. Everybody knows that my brother was an innocent person. … He cared about people. He put people before he put himself. He was very selfless. He was just, all-around, a great person to be around,” Dupree said.

At a short news conference Tuesday night, Dupree spoke about the need for non-violent protests.

“My brother was the most peaceful person you ever met. He’s never lifted a finger to nobody. Never raised his voice to nobody,” Dupree said. “If my brother was here today and he had to say something, he would tell us to do this peacefully.”

Dupree spoke at the Mason Temple Church of God In Christ Headquarters in Memphis, where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famed “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech the night before he was murdered while in the city to support a sanitation workers strike.

Nichols’ family and clergy from around the country flanked speakers, including Rev. Al Sharpton, as they called for legislative action and vowed never to give up the fight for justice for Nichols and other Black men who died after encounters with police.

Some people held signs including several that showed Nichols in his hospital bed and displayed the phrase “I am a man,” the same words the sanitation workers hailed as their motto in 1968.

Sharpton said Tuesday, “The night before Dr. King was killed, this is where he spoke and (the family is) standing on that ground. Because we will continue in Tyre’s name to head up to Martin’s mountaintop. That’s why we wanted to start this right on the sacred ground.”

Charges, firings and those placed on leave so far

From top left: Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills, Demetrius Haley. From bottom left: Justin Smith and Tadarrius Bean.

From top left: Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills, Demetrius Haley. From bottom left: Justin Smith and Tadarrius Bean.

Shelby County Criminal Justice System

Five Memphis police officers were fired January 20 and then indicted last week. They face seven counts, including: second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping with bodily injury, aggravated kidnapping in possession of a deadly weapon, official misconduct and official oppression.

The five officers – Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Justin Smith, Emmitt Martin and Desmond Mills Jr. – are expected to be arraigned February 17.

Martin’s attorney, William Massey, said “no one out there that night intended for Tyre Nichols to die.”

Mills’ attorney, Blake Ballin, said Mills arrived later than other officers and his vision was impaired by the pepper spray used during the traffic stop.

“Some of the questions that remain will require a focus on Desmond Mills’ individual actions,” and “on whether Desmond’s actions crossed the lines that were crossed by other officers during this incident,” Ballin said.

Attorneys for the other former officers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Personnel files for the fired officers show several had received written reprimands or short suspensions for violating policies during their time with the department.

None had previously been disciplined for excessive force, but Haley was involved in an November 2021 incident where another officer received a sustained complaint for “excessive/unnecessary force” after a female suspect suffered a dislocated shoulder. Haley didn’t face a departmental charge for force but was reprimanded for failing to document his role in the detention.

In 2019, Mills received a reprimand for not filing a form after the use of physical force against a suspect. The summary of his hearing said Mills used force to take the woman “to the ground so that she could be handcuffed.”

While four officers had policy violations, Bean had no written reprimands in the files reviewed by CNN.

‘I hope they stomp his ass’

On Monday, police said a sixth and a seventh officer had been placed on leave with the other five on January 8 – and those two officers still are the subjects of an internal investigation.

Police identified one of the two officers as Preston Hemphill, who is White. Police spokesperson Kimberly Elder declined to say whether Hemphill is being paid.

The city has released body-camera and pole-camera surveillance footage of the initial traffic stop, as well as the beating at the second site. One of the body-cam videos reveals Hemphill – at the site of the initial traffic stop – fired a Taser at Nichols and eventually said after Nichols ran: “One of them prongs hit the bastard.”

Hemphill twice says to an officer who was with him: “I hope they stomp his ass.”

That body-cam video does not show Hemphill at the second site, where the county’s district attorney has said Nichols was beaten and suffered his serious injuries.

Preston Hemphill poses for a photo after completing “Crisis Intervention Team Training” in July 2022.

Hemphill’s attorney, Lee Gerald, said his client – who hasn’t been charged – “was never present at the second scene.”

The seventh officer has not been publicly identified.

“Officer Preston Hemphill and other officer’s actions and inactions have been and continue to be the subject of this investigation,” Memphis police said Monday.

“There are numerous charges still developing that are impending.”

The Memphis Fire Department announced three employees were fired over their response to the incident.

EMT-Basic Robert Long, left, EMT-Advanced JaMichael Sandridge, and Lt. Michelle Whitaker were fired from the Memphis Fire Department, the department said Monday.

Emergency medical technicians Robert Long and JaMichael Sandridge and Lt. Michelle Whitaker have been terminated, the fire department said Monday.

The three were responding to a report of “a person pepper sprayed” when they arrived at the scene of the deadly beating and found Nichols on the ground, the fire department said.

The department’s investigation found that “the two EMTs responded based on the initial nature of the call and information they were told on the scene and failed to conduct an adequate patient assessment of Mr. Nichols,” the fire chief said.

Whitaker had remained in the fire truck, the department said.

Pole-camera video released Friday showed that after the EMTs arrived and before the ambulance arrived, first responders repeatedly walked away from Nichols, with Nichols intermittently falling onto his side.

Additionally, two deputies with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office were put on leave last week pending an investigation, after video of the incident was released.

“I have concerns about two deputies who appeared on scene following the physical confrontation between police and Tyre Nichols,” Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. said Friday.

‘A gross collapse of the system’

After the fire department firings were announced Monday, an attorney for Tyre Nichols’ family, Antonio Romanucci said, “everybody on that scene was complicit in this man’s death, in one way, shape, form, or another, somebody failed Tyre Nichols.”

“They either failed by using excessive force; they failed him by severely beating him; they failed him by not intervening; they failed him by not rendering aid,” the attorney said Monday.

He said Nichols’ family still is trying to absorb the breadth of this multiagency investigation, while also dealing with the loss of their loved one.

“This is just such a gross collapse of the system that we are supposed to trust, that it really is unspeakable,” Romanucci said.

A Memphis city council member said much more work needs to be done.

“We need to make sure that we go through our police department and see where we were weak, what happened with our procedures, what happened with our oversight,” council member Jeff Warren said.

“I don’t think we’ve seen the end of it. And I think we’re going to find there’s more to this as we go into the trial,” he said. “I don’t think we’re on top of this yet.”

“I Hope They Stomp His Ass” One Officer BodyCam Recorded Saying

The Truth News — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 06:14:30 +0000

“I Hope They Stomp His Ass” One Officer BodyCam Recorded Saying

REMEMBER THESE LONG ASS VIOLENT VIDEOS ARE STILL REDACTED SO YOU KNOW IT WAS EVEN WORSE

Police-issued body worn camera at an intersection. There is no audio for the first minute.

Someone within the City of Memphis, and I hope it’s the Chief of Police, understands that the murder of Tyre Nichols is not about rogue officers. It’s not about bad apples. It’s about a police culture that encourages brutality and indifference, and if that culture can’t change, the Memphis Police Department has forfeited its right to patrol the streets.

The City of Memphis has released four videos. Everyone will focus on the last three because they capture Mr. Nichols’ murder. But someone in the city made the decision to also release body camera footage (Video 1 above atop article) from an officer who was present when Memphis police first stopped Mr. Nichols. So far as I know, this officer has not been named, has not been charged, and was not present when Mr. Nichols was beaten to death. But if you wonder whether the murder is connected to a culture within the department, this is the video to watch.

The body camera in this video captures the moments after Mr. Nichols stopped his car. It’s worn by an officer who arrives just as another officer reaches into Mr. Nichols’ car, drags him out and, assisted by a third officer, forces Mr. Nichols to the ground.

At this point, the police apparently know nothing about Mr. Nichols except that he is a Black man who was allegedly driving recklessly. No video yet disclosed by Memphis confirms this allegation and the Chief of Police has said she has seen no evidence to support it. But even assuming it is true, the officers know nothing to suggest that Mr. Nichols was armed or violent. Indeed, in the course of the entire evening, no officer indicates they had ever seen Mr. Nichols before. They don’t even imply that they knew him by reputation. So far as they know, he is simply a young Black male motorist who may have driven recklessly, and nothing more.

Yet there is no way to describe the officers’ behavior except as aggressive, abusive, and belligerent. If anyone wants to know what the warrior mentality looks like on the street, watch this stop. This is how Memphis officers treat Black male motorists about whom they know virtually nothing. Mr. Nichols, whom the police variously describe as “thin” and “slim,” is submissive and frightened as he is surrounded by what looks like three or four much larger Memphis police officers. If you don’t trust any of my adjectives, or if you doubt any of this description, I strongly encourage you to watch the video of the body camera footage (Video 1 above atop article) (These officers were part of a special unit that the Memphis Police Chief has disbanded, to her credit. The question, however, is whether she also changes the cultural mindset that made the officers in that unit behave as they did.)

The officers sprayed a chemical agent in Nichols’ eyes, apparently several times. This agent burns horribly and makes it extremely difficult to see. A person sprayed will reflexively turn their head and try to wipe their eyes, which is exactly what the officers did when the spray got in their own eyes. As they did, Mr. Nichols got up and ran from the scene. As he ran, an officer fired a taser at him and believes that he hit him.

One group of officers chased after Mr. Nichols, even though the ostensible threat—reckless driving—had ended. At least two remained at the scene, apparently because of the chemical agent in their eyes. And as one officer complains that he “can’t see shit,” he sends out his hope for what should happen to Mr. Nichols when his colleagues finally catch him:

“I hope they stomp his ass.”

He says this though he knows his body camera is recording every word he says. It is the sort of unrehearsed, unmediated declaration that throws open a window into a department’s culture. If extralegal violence were unheard of in the Memphis Police Department, if there weren’t a cultural expectation that a person who makes the police look silly has to be “stomped,” this officer wouldn’t have expressed his hope on tape. Tellingly, the other officer at the scene does not react or object to this statement, at least not that we can see or hear.

Pole camera video contains no audio

Have you ever seen someone beaten to death? Not on television, but in real life. At a certain point, the repeated blows will render the victim utterly helpless. They can’t run away. They can’t cover their face. They can’t protect themselves. Yet they’re still conscious; it’s actually much more difficult to knock someone unconscious than it appears on TV. They can still cry out and make pitiful, ineffectual attempts to escape. They crawl and moan while blows rain down. More kicks to the head or back. More punches to the face.

If you’ve never seen someone beaten to death, now you can.

The second video body camera footage (Video 2 above) is taken from a camera attached to a pole in a residential neighborhood. There is no audio. It provides a largely unobstructed view of Mr. Nichols being beaten to death by the police. It’s horrific.

When the camera picks up the scene, Mr. Nichols is already on the ground, surrounded by four officers. One, and perhaps two officers spray him in his eyes. As Mr. Nichols reflexively tries to wipe his eyes, some officers continue to spray him while others scream, “Give me your hands! Gimme your hands, bro!” As Mr. Nichols turns his body to free a hand to wipe his eyes, the police become more aggressive. At least two officers kick him in the back and head. At this point, a fifth officer arrives and beats Mr. Nichols across the back with his police baton. It’s hard to tell, but Mr. Nichols may also have been tased again during this period.

By this time, Mr. Nichols is badly weakened and defenseless. The officers lift him up and, as he is surrounded by four officers, a fifth punches him viciously in the head and face. Over and over. His head snaps back and drops. No officer tries to intervene or prevent any part of the assault. Three days later, he died in the hospital.

Police-issued body worn camera video at a second location, a residential neighborhood. There is no audio for the first minute.

In some ways, the last 25 minutes of the second video are as hard to watch as the first five. After they beat Mr. Nichols, the police drop him to the ground. He is handcuffed from behind. After a couple minutes, they drag his limp body along the ground and prop him up against a police car. And for about a quarter of an hour, the police do nothing. No one administers first aid. No one checks his welfare.

By this time, Mr. Nichols is barely conscious. He cannot remain propped against the car. He falls to the left and lolls helplessly. The police grab him and prop him up again. He falls to the right. They prop him up again. More officers arrive. They mill around, talking with each other. Someone places a first aid bag next to Mr. Nichols but for long minutes, no one bothers to open it. A crowd of officers gathers. An officer adjusts his pants and reties his shoes. Finally, an ambulance arrives and takes him away, 22 minutes after the beating ended.

This simply doesn’t happen absent a culture of indifference.

Police-issued body worn camera video at a second location, a residential neighborhood. There is no audio for the first minute.

The third body camera footage (Video 3 above) and fourth body camera footage (Video 4 above) videos are body camera footage from officers at the scene of the beating. They add detail to the video provided by the pole camera, and because they are footage from body cameras, they include audio. On these videos, you can see Mr. Nichols sprayed repeatedly with the chemical agent and the futile attempts he makes to wipe his eyes. You can hear his groans. You can hear him calling out for his mother, again and again. You can see that he never makes any aggressive movements and that an officer has his arm even as he is shouting for Mr. Nichols to give him his hands.

And when the beating is finally over and Mr. Nichols lay prone, you can see the officers wandering around their police cars, catching their breath and checking their phones. You can hear them recount the details of the chase, both for each other and the officers who arrived after it was all over. You can hear them as they get their story straight. “He was high on something, bro. He was high as a motherfucker.” “He strong, I tell you that. He strong as a motherfucker.” “I opened that car door, he punched me.” “He reached for my gun. He had his hand on my gun.” None of this happened. At least, you can’t see any of it on the videos released by the city.

If someone asked you what happened in Memphis, what would you say? Would you say that five Memphis police officers have been charged with murder after they killed an unarmed man? That’s an easy and familiar headline: “Police Kill Unarmed Man” Can you file it all away now and move on, reassured by the fact that, thanks to the tapes, these five officers will almost certainly be convicted and sent to prison for a very long time? Is that the story?

Someone in the City of Memphis understands that that’s not the story. The murder of Tyre Nichols came at the end of a long series of culturally-determined decisions and choices involving scores of officers with decades of combined experience. It’s a story about recruitment. About training. About locker room culture. It’s a story about incentives and relationships. It’s about how Memphis police learn to patrol “those” neighborhoods and deal with “those” people, a designation that transcends simple narratives about race. It’s about what it means in Memphis to be a “good cop,” and the stories the good cops tell the new guys about the difference between legal and extralegal justice.

It’s about everything that adds up to the difference between dignity and brutality, and if the City of Memphis and the Memphis Police Department can’t change the culture they’ve created, their officers don’t deserve the badge.

After this essay appeared, the media reported that the Memphis Police Department had suspended the officer whose body camera captured the first video and who expressed the hope that other officers would “stomp” Mr. Nichols. source

Video footage of incident between Tyre Nichols and Memphis Police Department

Posted on January 27, 2023

These videos were recorded on the evening of January 7, 2023, in Memphis, Tennessee. Video 1 is a police-issued body-worn camera near the intersection of Raines and Ross Rd. Videos 2, 3, and 4 are video footage at the second location, a residential neighborhood. Video 2 is from a pole camera and contains no audio. Videos 3 and 4 are police-issued body-worn camera videos. These videos have been redacted pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-501, et. seq. WARNING: The video contains graphic content and language. Viewer discretion is advised. The video can be viewed at www.vimeo.com/CityofMemphis

3 fire personnel are terminated 2 other Memphis officers were placed on leave over Tyre Nichols deadly beating

The Truth News — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 06:14:36 +0000

3 fire personnel are terminated
2 other Memphis officers were placed on leave
over Tyre Nichols deadly beating, officials say

Fallout from the deadly police beating of Black motorist Tyre Nichols now includes the firing of three Memphis Fire Department personnel, and an announcement that a total of seven police officers were placed on leave, as critics nationwide call for police reform.

Two emergency medical technicians and a fire department lieutenant have been terminated over their response to Nichols’ January 7 encounter with members of a now-disbanded unit of the police department, Memphis Fire Chief Gina Sweat said Monday.

Police pulled Nichols over in what they initially said was on suspicion of reckless driving. Officers yanked him out of his car, and he ran away after officers deployed pepper spray and a Taser to try to make him lie prone; minutes later, officers would catch up with him at a second location and hit or kick him numerous times, police body-camera and surveillance video shows.

He died three days later of his injuries, the Tennessee Bureau Investigation has said. The beating has fueled broader public scrutiny of how US police use force, especially against people of color.

Emergency medical technicians Robert Long and JaMichael Sandridge and fire Lt. Michelle Whitaker have been fired, the fire department said Monday.

An investigation concluded that the two EMTs “failed to conduct an adequate patient assessment of Mr. Nichols” after responding based on both the initial call – in which they heard a person was pepper-sprayed – and information they were told at the scene, Sweat said in a news release.

Whitaker had remained in the fire truck, according to the chief’s statement.

The fire department said earlier this month that the two EMTs had been suspended pending an internal investigation.

The truck carrying the EMTs arrived at the second scene at about 8:41 p.m. to find Nichols on the ground leadning against a polcie vehicle, and called for an ambulance at 8:46 p.m. the fire department said. The ambulance arrived at 8:55 p.m. and left with Nichols 13 minutes later, according to the fire department.

Pole-camera video released Friday shows that between the time the EMTs arrived and the ambulance arrived, first-responders repeatedly walked away from Nichols, with Nichols intermittently falling onto his side.

Also Monday, the police department announced that seven officers were placed on leave the day after the beating – two more than previously announced.

Five of the officers – all of whom are Black – were fired January 20 and then indicted last week on second-degree murder and other charges.

One officer said, ‘I hope they stomp his ass’

Memphis police said Monday that a sixth and a seventh officer were placed on leave with the other five on January 8 – and those two officers still are subjects of an internal investigation.

Police on Monday named one of the two officers, Preston Hemphill, who is White, and said he has been on administrative leave since the beginning of the investigation. Memphis police spokesperson Kimberly Elder declined to say whether Hemphill is being paid.

The city on Friday released body-camera and pole-camera surveillance footage of the initial traffic stop and the beating at the second site. One of the body-cam videos reveals Hemphill – at the site of the initial traffic stop – fired a Taser at Nichols and eventually said, “One of them prongs hit the bastard.”

Later, Hemphill says to another officer: “I hope they stomp his ass.” That body-cam video does not show Hemphill at the second site, where the county’s district attorney has said Nichols was beaten and suffered his serious injuries.

Hemphill has not been charged. “He was never present at the second scene” that escalated to the beating, and Hemphill has been cooperating with the investigation, his attorney Lee Gerald said.

Preston Hemphill poses for a photo after completing “Crisis Intervention Team Training” in July 2022.

The seventh officer has not been publicly identified.

Attorneys for Nichols’ family wonder why authorities were quick to fire five Black police officers and charge them with murder – while staying relatively quiet about Hemphill’s role in the encounter.

“The news today from Memphis officials that Officer Preston Hemphill was reportedly relieved of duty weeks ago, but not yet terminated or charged, is extremely disappointing. Why is his identity and the role he played in Tyre’s death just now coming to light?” attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci said in a statement Monday.

“It certainly begs the question why the White officer involved in this brutal attack was shielded and protected from the public eye.”

Later, Romanucci said on CNN, “This is such a gross collapse of the system that we’re supposed to trust, that it really is unspeakable. (Nichols’ family is) trying to absorb all of this.”

Weeks after Nichols’ death, many questions remain. Among them:

• Whether more officers will face charges or other discipline: Memphis City Council member Frank Colvett wants to know why more officers at the scene of Nichols’ beating had not been disciplined or suspended, he said Sunday.

Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy’s office is looking at everyone involved, including Hemphill, Mulroy told CNN’s Anderson Cooper on Monday. That includes fire department personnel and people who did paperwork for the encounter, he added.

• How Memphis’ police chief will fare: While some have praised Chief Davis’ swift action in the case, she also created the controversial SCORPION unit that the charged officers were linked to. “There is a reckoning coming for the police department and for the leadership,” Colvett said. “She’s going to have to answer not just to the council but to the citizens – and really the world.”

• What happens to sheriff’s personnel: Two deputies with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office were put on leave last week pending an investigation, after the sheriff viewed.

• If Nichols’ death spurs national-level police reform: The Congressional Black Caucus has asked for a meeting with President Joe Biden this week to push for negotiations on police reform.

“Nothing is being ruled out. But we need to ask for patience,” he said.

What the footage shows

Video of the fatal encounter is difficult to watch. It starts with a traffic stop and later shows officers repeatedly beating Nichols with batons, punching him and kicking him – even as his hands are restrained behind his back at one point.

Nichols is heard calling for his mother as he was kicked and pepper-sprayed.

“All of these officers failed their oath,” said Crump, one of the attorneys representing the Nichols family. “They failed their oath to protect and serve.”

At the residential street corner where Nichols was beaten, mourners created a makeshift memorial. Across the country, protesters marched after the videos’ release, in cities including New York, Atlanta, Boston and Los Angeles.

Nichols’ family remembered him as a good son and father who enjoyed skateboarding, photography and sunsets. They recalled his smile and hugs and mourned the moments they’ll never have again.

Protesters gather Saturday in New York to denounce the police beating of Tyre Nichols in Memphis.

Expert questions second-degree murder charges

The five fired officers charged in connection with Nichols’ beating – Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Justin Smith, Emmitt Martin and Desmond Mills Jr. – are expected to be arraigned February 17.

From top left: Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills, Demetrius Haley. From bottom left: Justin Smith and Tadarrius Bean.

The Shelby County district attorney’s office said each of the five fired officers face seven counts, including: second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping with bodily injury, aggravated kidnapping in possession of a deadly weapon, official misconduct and official oppression.

But a second-degree murder charge – which requires intent to kill – might be harder to prove than a first-degree felony murder charge, said Alexis Hoag-Fordjour, assistant professor of law and co-director of the Center for Criminal Justice at Brooklyn Law School.

“For first-degree felony murder, it means that a murder happened in conjunction with an underlying felony,” said Hoag-Fordjour, noting she practiced law in Tennessee.

“Here, every single charge that the Memphis district attorney charged these five individuals with were felonies. And the underlying felony that would support a first-degree murder charge – felony murder – is kidnapping.”

The kidnapping counts against officers may seem unusual because “we obviously deputize law enforcement officials to make seizures, to make arrests,” Hoag-Fordjour told “CNN This Morning” on Monday.

“But at this point … what would have been legitimate behavior crossed the line into illegitimacy.”

While first-degree felony murder might be easier to prove, Hoag-Fordjour said, second-degree murder convictions are still possible.

Under Tennessee law, a person can be convicted of second-degree murder if they could be reasonably certain their actions would result in somebody’s death, Hoag-Fordjour said.

SCORPION unit tied to deadly beating gets axed

The five fired officers charged in Nichols’ beating were members of the now-scrapped SCORPION (Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods) unit, Memphis police spokesperson Maj. Karen Rudolph said Saturday.

Hemphill, one of thes officer still on administrative leave, was also a member of the SCORPION unit, a source familiar with his assignment confirmed to CNN. Authorities have not said whether the seventh officer removed from duty was with the unit.

The unit, launched in 2021, put officers into areas where police were tracking upticks in violent crime.

“That reprehensible conduct we saw in that video, we think this was part of the culture of the SCORPION unit,” Crump said.

“We demanded that they disbanded immediately before we see anything like this happen again,” he said. “It was the culture that was just as guilty for killing Tyre Nichols as those officers.”

Memphis police will permanently deactivate the unit. “While the heinous actions of a few casts a cloud of dishonor on the title SCORPION, it is imperative that we, the Memphis Police Department take proactive steps in the healing process for all impacted,” the department said.

Colvett supported the dismantling of the SCORPION unit.

“I think the smart move and the mayor is correct in shutting it down,” the council member said. “These kinds of actions are not representative of the Memphis Police Department.”

Calls for police reform grow

“The brutal beating of Tyre Nichols was murder and is a grim reminder that we still have a long way to go in solving systemic police violence in America,” Congressional Black Caucus chair Rep. Steven Horsford said Sunday in a statement.

The Tennessee State Conference NAACP president applauded Davis for “doing the right thing” by not waiting six months to a year to fire the officers who beat Tyre Nichols.

But she had had harsher words for Congress: “By failing to craft and pass bills to stop police brutality, you’re writing another Black man’s obituary,” said Gloria Sweet-Love. “The blood of Black America is on your hands. So, stand up and do something.”

On the state level, two Democratic lawmakers said they intend to file police reform legislation ahead of the general assembly’s Tuesday filing deadline.

The bills would seek to address mental health care for law enforcement officers, hiring, training, discipline practices and other topics, said Tennessee state Rep. G.A. Hardaway, who represents a part of Memphis and Shelby County.

By Steve Almasy, Mark Morales, Holly Yan and Nick Valencia source

Tyre Nichols Protesters Peacefully Block Freeway Traffic in Memphis

The Truth News — Sat, 28 Jan 2023 13:01:18 +0000

Tyre Nichols’ mother urges peaceful protest: ‘I don’t want us burning up our cities’

Tyre Nichols Protesters Peacefully Block Freeway Traffic in Memphis

‘Stand up, fight back,’ Tyre Nichols protesters shout as they block traffic on a freeway bridge

MEMPHIS – Tyre Nichols protesters blocked traffic on a Memphis freeway Friday night after video was released showing police beating the young Black man as they attempted to arrest him.

“Stand up, fight back,” the protesters chanted on the I-55 bridge, video captured by Fox News shows.

Protesters gathered and marched after an hour of video footage was released showing police beat Nichols. The 29-year-old was hospitalized after the encounter, but died three days later.

“We shuttin’ it down,” one protester can be heard shouting.

“By any means necessary,” another said.

Memphis officers pulled Nichols from his vehicle in the middle of the road and attempted to detain him, the video shows. After a struggle, he eventually escaped on foot, but officers encountered him again in a residential neighborhood.

Tyre Nichols protesters block traffic on a Memphis freeway. (Jon Michael Raasch/Fox News)

There, police video showed the officers beating Nichols. He was hit with a baton multiple times and repeatedly struck in the head as officers shouted for him to “give us your hands.”

Multiple times, Nichols called for his mother and shouted “stop.” Lawyers have said he was about 100 yards from his mothers house at the time.

Tyre Nichols Screams for His Mom! last words heard …As Cops Punch, Kick Him & Beat Him With A Baton

Peaceful protests after videos of beating of Tyre Nichols released

Protesters gathered in Downtown Atlanta in solidarity and calling for justice after the beating death of Tyre Nichols during a traffic stop earlier this month. The Memphis Police Department released videos showing the encounter between Nichols and the now-former officers.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Protesters marched Friday evening to Interstate 55 south of Downtown Memphis, blocking traffic after the release of Tyre Nichols’ arrest footage.

The Memphis Police Department issued a traffic alert for that part of the interstate and asked the public to avoid the locations that include I-55 North/Riverside and Arkansas Bridge, Crump/Third and Florida/North Parkway.

It is a major connector between Tennessee and Arkansas.

Drivers were asked to avoid the area.

As of 7:45 p.m., the protests appear to be peaceful.

Just before 10 p.m. Friday, some of the protests appeared to have end.

But some of the protesters said that they’d continue demonstrations through the weekend.

Tyre Nichols Screams for His Mom! last words heard …As Cops Punch, Kick Him & Beat Him With A Baton

at the other end of the country
WHERE IT DID NOT HAPPEN LIBERAL CALIFORNIA ERUPTS IN LOS ANGELES

Tyre Nichols Screams for His Mom! last words heard …As Cops Punch, Kick Him & Beat Him With A Baton

and at the top right above where it happened more disruption
Tyre Nichols death: NYC protesters chant ‘burn it down’ after release of violent bodycam video

Tyre Nichols Screams for His Mom! last words heard …As Cops Punch, Kick Him & Beat Him With A Baton

and at the top right above where it happened more disruption
Tyre Nichols protests erupt outside White House after Memphis bodycam video released

Tyre Nichols Screams for His Mom! last words heard …As Cops Punch, Kick Him & Beat Him With A Baton

Tyre Nichols video release ignites protesters who stomp police car, urge crowds to ‘burn it down!’

Memphis police fired five officers involved in the incident, and they are being charged with second-degree murder

Protests began across America Friday night following the release of body camera video relating to the Tyre Nichols traffic stop, which sent him to a local hospital where he died days later.

In New York City someone stomped the windshield of a police cruiser as crowds shouted to “burn it down!”

Memphis police released the body camera video as well as other surveillance footage showing officers brutally beating Nichols.

“The suspect was ultimately apprehended,” MPD said. “Afterward the suspect complained of having shortness of breath, at which point an ambulance was called to the scene.”

A protestor steps on the windshield of a police vehicle, on the day of the release of a video showing police officers beating Tyre Nichols, the young Black man who died three days after he was pulled over while driving during a traffic stop by Memphis police officers, in New York, U.S., January 27, 2023. (REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz )

By Adam Sabes | Fox News

Tyre Nichols Screams for His Mom! last words heard …As Cops Punch, Kick Him & Beat Him With A Baton

Tyre Nichols protests erupt outside White House after Memphis bodycam video released

‘Jail killer cops’: DC protesters gather following Tyre Nichols bodycam footage released

WASHINGTON – Protests broke out in front of the White House on Friday after bodycam footage was released showing Memphis police beating Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man.

“The only way we will get justice for Tyre Nichols … to overturn this capitalist system is if we understand our power,” one man said through a megaphone, video captured by Fox News shows.

Power,” the protesters chanted in response.

Demonstrators gathered and marched after an hour of video footage was released showing police beat Nichols. The 29-year-old was hospitalized after the encounter, but died three days later.

Many held signs that read “jail killer cops” with “Party for Socialism & Liberation” underneath.

“Racist police terror, health care, climate change, workers rights — all of these things are intertwined,” the man speaking into the microphone said.

Meanwhile, in Memphis, protesters blocked a freeway, video captured by Fox News shows.

“Stand up, fight back,” the Memphis protesters chanted

The police footage released Friday showed Memphis officers pulling Nichols from his vehicle in the middle of the road and attempting to detain him. After a struggle, he eventually escaped on foot, but officers encountered him again in a residential neighborhood.

There, police video showed the officers beating Nichols. He was hit with a baton multiple times and repeatedly struck in the head as officers shouted for him to “give us your hands.”

Multiple times, Nichols called for his mother and shouted “stop.” Lawyers have said he was about 100 yards from his mothers house at the time.

Nichols was ultimately handcuffed and was leaned up against a police car with his legs extended. He appeared unconscious and drooped to the ground.

An officer in one video can be heard telling another that Nichols was driving into oncoming traffic and refused to pull over.

Nichols was transported to a hospital and arrived in critical condition. He died three days later as a result of a “use-of-force incident with officers,” according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

By Ethan Barton , Megan Myers | Fox News

Tyre Nichols Screams for His Mom! last words heard …As Cops Punch, Kick Him & Beat Him With A Baton

Mostly peaceful protests held across the U.S. after release of Tyre Nichols footage

Numerous mostly peaceful protests were held across the U.S. following Friday’s release of body camera footage of the killing of Tyre Nichols. All five officers involved in Nichols’ arrest were fired and charged with second-degree murder, assault and kidnapping earlier this week.

Protests in some cities led to the calling of the National Guard, while others affected transit.

In Memphis, where Nichols died, a group of demonstrators gathered at a downtown park and then took to the streets, shutting down the I-55 bridge over the Mississippi River between Memphis and West Memphis. They chanted “no justice, no peace” and “justice for Tyre,” closing the bridge for nearly three hours before peacefully disbanding.

In other parts of Memphis, people gathered in churches or small groups to reflect on the wrenching and somber moment for the city.

Officials shut down Grand Central Station in anticipation of protests in New York City, where demonstrators had gathered in Times Square. A protest and march in Boston halted traffic.

A protest in downtown Los Angeles became tense when a small group protesters gathered outside of Los Angeles Police Department headquarters, which was blocked by police in riot gear, according to the Los Angeles Times. Protesters tore town a protective barricade around the building, but there were no immediate reports of arrests.

Other small, but mostly peaceful protests, were also held in Washington, D.C., in Seattle, Detroit and Atlanta, as well as in other cities.

Officials had been preparing for nationwide protests in the days leading up to the release of the footage. President Joe Biden called the videos “horrific,” while Antonio Romanucci, a lawyer representing the Nichols family, said the 29-year-old was treated like a “human piñata.”

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency this week, and members of the National Guard can be seen in Atlanta, attempting to curb protesters. People could also be seen protesting outside the White House hours after Biden urged citizens “not to resort to violence or destruction.”

Also on Friday, White House officials also spoke with mayors in more than a dozen major cities — such as Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Chicago — to brief them on federal assistance.

Nichols’ family, including his mother, RowVaughn Wells, and his stepfather, Rodney Wells, asked protesters to remain peaceful.

“I don’t want us burning up cities, tearing up our streets, because that’s not what my son stood for,” Wells said at a vigil for her son on Thursday.

Organizers are planning vigils, marches and demonstrations across the U.S. over the weekend. source

Tyre Nichols Screams for His Mom! last words heard …As Cops Punch, Kick Him & Beat Him With A Baton

The Truth News — Sat, 28 Jan 2023 11:59:44 +0000

Tyre Nichols Screams for His Mom! last words heard …As Cops Punch, Kick Him & Beat Him With A Baton

DIRTY MURDERS WANNABE POLICE, NOTHING MORE THAN DIRTY PIGS! REAL COPS HAVE INTERITY, HONOR AND RESTRAINT!
HERE IS BODY CAM FULL FOOTAGE HERE ITS LONG AND UNCUT VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.
PLEASE ITS NOT PLEASANT BUT WE ALL MUST SEE WHAT IS DONE IN THE DARK WILL COME TO LIGHT

Memphis police just released the graphic body cam footage from Tyre Nichols’ brutal arrest — and the video is every bit as disturbing as Tyre’s family and law enforcement have described it.

In the clips, pulled from both body cam and overhead cameras, you see officers swarm Tyre — demanding he get down and give up his hands. Although he’s laying on his side with an officer on top of him, he’s hesitant to lie flat on his stomach.
One officer threatens to deploy his Taser, and after about a minute-long struggle … Tyre gets up to start running, and one of the cops fires his Taser, but he gets away.

About 7 minutes later, they catch up to Tyre in a residential neighborhood, and this is when it gets brutal. While he’s pinned to the ground — reportedly about 100 yards from his family’s home — Tyre repeatedly yells, “Mom!!!”

Then one officer kicks him twice, and another yells, “Watch out, I’mma baton the f**k out you,” and then strikes Tyre twice before they pull him up on his feet.

While 2 officers are holding him with his hands behind his back … another punches Tyre 5 times with a closed fist, sending him back down to his knees again.

Eventually, officers get Tyre handcuffed, put him up against a police cruiser and he writhes in pain for nearly 20 minutes before going limp.

As you know, the 5 Memphis PD officers stopped Tyre on Jan. 7 on suspicion of reckless driving … but from the start, the cops were hyper-aggressive. Even the video does not make it clear why things got violent that quickly.

Once other officers show up to the scene, one of the cops involved in the beating says Tyre attempted to grab for another officer’s gun — causing them to unleash on him.

After the vicious beating … Tyre was rushed to St. Francis Hospital because he was complaining he was short of breath. He was admitted in critical condition, and died in the hospital on January 10.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who’s representing Tyre’s family, reviewed the body cam footage with the family days before it was released, and likened the horrific scene to the beating of Rodney King in 1991.

The 5 Memphis police officers involved in the traffic stop — Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmit Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr., and Justin Smith — have been fired and charged with second-degree murder.

They also face additional charges of official misconduct, official oppression and aggravated kidnapping. Four of the 5 have posted bail and were released as of Friday morning.

Tyre’s cause of death has not been released and the incident is being investigated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Protests have been expected following this release of the footage … with Memphis Police, Tyre’s family, and even President Biden urging for any demonstrations to remain peaceful. source

WATCH: Tyre Nichols Protesters Block Freeway Traffic in Memphis

Tyre Nichols’ last words heard on newly released bodycam footage: ‘I’m just trying to get home’

Tyre Nichols called out to his mother several times as officers continued to punch and kick him on Jan. 7

By Lawrence Richard | Fox News

The Memphis Police Department released bodycam footage Friday evening showing Tyre Nichols’ final moments following a traffic stop on Jan. 7 before he was hospitalized and died three days later.

Nichols, a 29-year-old Black father and photographer, repeatedly called out to his mother and told five officers who were severely beating him — former Ofcs. Desmond Mills, Justin Smith, Emmitt Martin, Tadarrius Bean and Demetrius Haley — that he just wanted to make it home safely, the newly released bodycam video shows.

“I’m just trying to go home,” Nichols can be heard telling the officers in the footage, which was released to the public on Jan. 27, nearly three weeks after the incident.

The traffic stop began shortly after 8 p.m. on the night of Jan. 7, as the newly released bodycam video shows officers approaching Nichols’ vehicle and instructing him to get out of it, using profanities.

“Get out slowly,” the officers yelled, as Nichols appeared to remain in the vehicle. The officer’s bodycam does not show if Nichols is removing his seatbelt or otherwise complying with the request.

“Get your a— out of the car,” an officer yells before opening the driver’s door, grabbing Nichols, and removing him from the vehicle.

A Memphis police officer approaches the vehicle of Tyre Nichols on Jan. 7, 2023. (Memphis Police Department)

A Memphis police officer pulling Tyre Nichols out of his vehicle on Jan. 7, 2023. (Memphis Police Department)

Multiple Memphis police officer attempt to remove Tyre Nichols from his vehicle on Jan. 7, 2023. (Memphis Police Department)

“Stop, I didn’t do anything,” said Nichols, who initially appears to resist the officers before following their instructions. “OK, all right, alright, alright, alright, alright,” he echos, following the officers as they escort him toward the rear of the vehicle.

At this time, approximately 8:24 p.m., multiple officers can be seen forcibly grabbing Nichols to comply with their requests.

“Hey, you don’t do that, ok,” Nichols can be heard saying, drawing attention to the ferocity of their detainment.

The interaction swiftly escalates as Nichols continued to point out he believed they were acting out of line.

“Get on the ground,” the officers shout.

“I am on the ground,” Nichols responds.

“Turn around,” they again order.

“Yes, sir,” he responds.

“Turn the f—k around, I will tase you,” a single officer can be heard saying, with the taser seen pointed at Nichols.

“Stop,” Nichols responds calmly, looking directly at the officer.

“Man, get your arm behind your back before I break—” an officer chimes in.

“Ok, stop, I am,” Nichols can be heard saying.

He added: “You guys are really doing a lot right now. I’m just trying to go home.”

The officer shouted back: “Man, if you don’t lay down—”

“I am on the ground,” Nichols interjected, who at this time had at least three officers pinning him.

Memphis police have released video showing a deadly Jan. 7 traffic stop that led to murder charges against four officers. (Memphis Police Department)

A Memphis police officer points a taser directly at Tyre Nichols on Jan. 7, 2023. (Memphis Police Department)

Nichols wrestles to his feet and an officer tases him.

He then removes his jacket or shirt, disconnecting the taser pins, and runs down the street, away from the officers.

Other body cam footage, captured at approximately 8:33 p.m., shows two other officers tackling Nichols at another intersection.

The officers again grapple with the 29-year-old, who can be heard calling out for his mother several times.

The video appears to show Nichols continuing to resist being placed in handcuffs.

The Memphis police officer subsequently beat Nichols with a baton, pepper spray him, and punch and kick him several times.

“Watch out, I’m going to baton the f—k out you,” an officer can be heard shouting at Nichols.

“Give us your hands!” the officers shout while punching him in the face.

Nichols is next seen handcuffed, in a daze, sitting and leaning against the police car.

He was hospitalized that night and succumbed to his injuries just three days later, on Jan. 10, authorities said.

Fox News’ Adam Sabes contributed to this report.

WATCH: Tyre Nichols Protesters Block Freeway Traffic in Memphis

Tyre Nichols video: Memphis authorities release footage from deadly traffic stop

Tyre Nichols, 29, died three days after Memphis prosecutors say police brutally beat him following a traffic stop

Memphis authorities have released four videos from a Jan. 7 traffic stop that preceded the death of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols, who spent three days in the hospital before succumbing to his injuries, according to authorities.

The first video released shows an officer pulling up to a stop in progress around 8:24 p.m. Police can be heard ordering Nichols to get out of the car, using profanities.

The brutal encounter led to the firing of five Memphis police officers, who now face numerous charges, including murder. And hours after the department released the videos, Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. announced that he was relieving two deputies of duty and launching an internal investigation of his own.

WATCH: Bodycam video shows Tyre Nichols pulled out of car, Tasered: ‘Get on the ground’

The videos begin after a police stop involving Nichols has already been initiated. An officer arrives to assist.

“I didn’t do anything,” Nichols says, as officers yank him out of the driver’s seat.

He appears calm at first, as they order him to get on the ground. Seated with his back to the car, he looks at police, and says slowly, “Stop.”

WATCH: Pole camera view of Tyre Nichols’ fatal arrest shows Memphis police officers brutally beat, pepper spray and Taser victim

“OK, all right,” he continues, as an officer aims a Taser at him. They repeatedly order him to lay down, then to turn around and to put his hands behind his back.

“You guys are really doing a lot right now,” Nichols says. “I’m just trying to go home.”

He doesn’t appear to respond to the order to lay on his stomach, and is shown on his side when an officer uses what appears to be pepper spray. At that point, Nichols appears to struggle out of the officers’ grip and get to his feet, running off as they discharge a stun gun.

At around 8:26 p.m., according to a timestamp on the video, he pulls off his shirt and takes off running.

WATCH: Bodycam footage shows officers standing over injured Tyre Nichols as he screams for help

By 8:33, two other bodycams show officers tackling Nichols at another intersection. One bodycam appears to fall off, and the screen shows fuzzy darkness for several minutes before an officer picks it up and can be heard saying, “He on something.”

Tyre Nichols can be seen in the aftermath of the struggle, his face swollen and bloody as he sits on the ground in handcuffs, leaning with his back against a car. (Memphis PD)

Another officer’s camera shows him running up as the struggle continues, with two men on top of Nichols, demanding he give them his hands repeatedly.

He can be heard calling out for his mother, but does not appear to allow the officers to place him in cuffs.

WATCH: Memphis police bodycam shows officers brutally beat Tyre Nichols and discussing it afterward

They deploy pepper spray, which then sends one officer reeling, apparently after he became struck with it as well, and he backs off for a few minutes before returning with a baton.

“Watch out, I’ma baton the f— out you,” he says as he returns to the scuffle, with officers still holding Nichols.

For several seconds he repeats “Give us your hands!” Nichols looks limp or in a daze, and another officer can be seen punching him in the face.

Responders with what appear to be medical bags arrive to treat Tyre Nichols. (Memphis Police Department)

The camera above appears to show officers punching, kicking and striking Nichols with a baton multiple times.

By around 8:37, they finally get off of him, and he is shown handcuffed on the ground, writhing. Police pull him over to the side of a car and lean him against it, and around 3 minutes later medics appear to begin treating his injuries.

At around 8:42, two officers among a group in the intersection indicate that Nichols may have tried to grab a gun.

Memphis police have released video showing a deadly Jan. 7 traffic stop that led to murder charges against four officers. (Memphis Police Department)

“We tried to get him to stop,” an officer can be heard saying. “He didn’t stop.”

He claims that he tried the sirens and repeatedly ordered Nichols to stop to no avail. None of the video released Friday includes any actions that indicate why police made the initial stop.

A view from a camera mounted above the intersection where Memphis police caught up with Tyre Nichols, who died three days later. (Memphis Police Department)

“He drove around, swerved like he was gonna hit my car,” the officer says. “Then I’m like God damn like what are we doing? He pulled up to the red light, stopped at the red light. Put his turn signal on. So we jumped out the car, s— went from there.”

In a statement to NewsNation, Blake Ballin, the attorney for former Memphis officer Desmond Mills Jr., said he would review the videos with his client “at the appropriate time.”

“A thorough investigation of all available angles is needed before providing context or comment,” he said.

Betsy Brantner Smith, a retired police sergeant and trainer and the spokesperson for the National Police Association, said the video showed clear violations of proper training.

“Nobody teaches baton strikes above the shoulders, nobody teaches kicks to the head, nobody teaches the denial of medical aid,” she told Fox News Digital. “These men were street fighting, they were not acting as police officers.”

An undated photo of Tyre Nichols. (Berry Accius)

She said the video was “not indicative of the men and women of American law enforcement” and urged Memphis police to review their hiring and training practices.

On Jan. 8, District Attorney General Steve Mulroy requested that the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation conduct an outside investigation into the deadly encounter.

According to TBI, Nichols ran from officers after a traffic stop at Raines and Ross Roads at 8:22 p.m.

This photo provided by the Nichols family shows Tyre Nichols, who had a passion for photography and was described by friends as joyful and lovable. Nichols was just minutes from his home in Memphis, Tenn., on Jan. 7, 2023, when he was pulled over by police and fatally beaten. Five Memphis police officers have since been charged with second-degree murder and other offenses. (Courtesy of the Nichols family via AP)

Police caught up with him again at Castlegate Lane and Bear Creek Cove, less than a half-mile away, and allegedly beat him for three minutes straight, sending him to the hospital with critical injuries.

Each of them faces more than a half-dozen charges, including second-degree murder, according to the TBI. All five surrendered to state authorities Thursday and later posted bond.

Sheriff Bonner, whose county encompasses the Memphis area also announced that he had relieved two deputies of duty hours after the videos became public.

“Having watched the videotape for the first time tonight, I have concerns about two deputies who appeared on the scene following the physical confrontation between police and Tyre Nichols,” he said in a statement. “I have launched an internal investigation into the conduct of these deputies to determine what occurred and if any policies were violated.”

Nichols was a FedEx worker with a 4-year-old son who enjoyed photography and skateboarding, according to his family’s attorney, Ben Crump.

An undated photo of Tyre Nichols. (Berry Accius)

Officials in Memphis and other big cities around the country are expecting demonstrations following the highly anticipated release of police bodycam video in connection with the case.

Speaking at a vigil Thursday evening, Nichols’ mother RowVaughn Wells urged supporters to protest peacefully.

“When that tape comes out tomorrow, it’s going to be horrific,” she said. “I didn’t see it, but from what I hear it’s going to be horrific.”

Memphis Police Department Officers Demetrius Haley, Tadarrius Bean, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills and Justin Smith were terminated on Jan. 18 for their role in the arrest of deceased Tyre Nichols. (Memphis Police Department)

DIRTY PIG ALERT, THEY SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO BE HANDED OUT FINALLY JUDGEMENT BY THE COMMUNITY, WITH IMMUNITY FOR THE FINISHER! THESE EVIL MEN RUIN WHAT THE BADGE STANDS FOR

POLICE ARE DEFINETLY NEEDED, POLICE LIKE THIS DO NOT GET THE RESPECT OF THE WORD POLICE, THEY ARE DIRY PIGS AND SHOULD BE HANDED OVER TO THE COMMUNITY IN THE DARK!

Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis called the incident “heinous, reckless and inhumane” but also urged calm.

In an interview with Fox News Friday, shortly before the video’s release, she said she believed it goes beyond recordings of excessive force used against Rodney King in 1991 and George Floyd in 2020.

“I would have to say that this video illustrates images that I’ve never seen in my career before perpetrated by police officers,” she said.

TBI Director David Rausch, who also saw the video before its release, described it as “appalling.”

Tyre Nichols, who died in a hospital on Jan. 10, three days after sustaining injuries during his arrest by police officers, is seen in this undated picture obtained from social media. (Facebook/Deandre Nichols/via Reuters)

“The actions of these officers were awful, and no one, including law enforcement, is above the law,” Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said in a video posted to Facebook Thursday. “I assure you we will do everything we can to keep this type of heinous act from happening again.”

By Michael Ruiz | Fox News

WATCH: Tyre Nichols Protesters Block Freeway Traffic in Memphis

Tyre Nichols’ brother awaits fate of 5 officers involved in beating: ‘I hope they die’

Tyre Nichols’ brother said he hopes the five police officers charged for his murder ‘die’

Tyree Nichols’ brother, Jamal Dupree, said he hopes the five Memphis police officers accused of beating his brother to death during a Jan. 7 traffic stop “die.”

“You want my truth? … I hope they die,” Dupree, who lives in Sacramento, California, told FOX 40.

Memphis Police Department officers initially stopped Nichols, 29, for “reckless driving” on Jan. 7. MPD said in a Jan. 8 press release that after a confrontation ensued, Nichols fled on foot. The five officers who pursued him allegedly beat the 29-year-old to death, violating multiple MPD policies.

Nichols died three days later on Jan. 10 in the hospital.

On Jan. 20, MPD announced the termination of the five officers involved in the incident for violating “multiple department policies, including excessive use of force, duty to intervene, and duty to render aid,” MPD Chief CJ Davis said in a press release at the time. All five were hired between 2017 and 2020.

Deceased Tyree Nichols’ brother, Jamal Dupree, told local news that he hopes the five Memphis police officers accused of beating his brother to death during a Jan. 7 traffic stop “die.” (FOX 40 Sacramento)

The former officers including Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith turned themselves in and were each charged with seven counts, including one count of second-degree murder, one count of aggravated assault, one count of official oppression and two counts each of aggravated kidnapping and official misconduct. They had all been released from jail after posting bond as of Friday morning.

“It doesn’t really mean nothing at this time until they’re actually found guilty for the actual charges,” Dupree told FOX 40. “There’s a good chance they can walk free from this.”

Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, died three days after being severely beaten by five Memphis Police Department officers during a traffic stop on January 7, 2023. (Scott Olson)

He noted that his brother’s “last words were screaming for” his mother, “and they didn’t care.”

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division also opened an investigation into the incident on Jan. 18.

Nichols was a FedEx worker, a skateboarder, a photographer and a father, according to Crump. (Scott Olson)

“As this is an open investigation, we are not able to provide additional comment or release further information at this time,” U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee Kevin Ritz said in a statement at the time.

Nichols was a FedEx worker, a skateboarder, a photographer and a father, according to Crump.

“He loved his son. Everything he was trying to do was to better himself as a father for his 4-year-old son,” the civil rights attorney said.

By Audrey Conklin | Fox News

WATCH: Tyre Nichols Protesters Block Freeway Traffic in Memphis

Tyre Nichols: Memphis police release body cam video of deadly beating

By KJ Hiramoto

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (KTTV) – Police in Memphis released the body camera footage showing the moments leading up to the deadly beating of Tyre Nichols, an unarmed 29-year-old Black man who was pulled over by officers.

On January 7, Nichols was pulled over by police over an alleged traffic violation. Nichols’ family claims the 29-year-old was trying to take pictures of the sunset.

Prior to the video release, Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis had called the officers’ actions a failure to the community.

“This is not just a professional failing, this is a failing of basic humanity toward another individual,” she said Wednesday.

Davis added on Wednesday that the five officers and others who were involved in his death “failed our community, and they failed the Nichols family. That is beyond regrettable.”

In one of the videos, one of the officers pulled out what appeared to be a stun gun, Nichols then tried to run off and a brief foot chase ensued. Once police caught Nichols, the officers began beating him. As police stood over Nichols, one of the officers was heard saying “You wanna get sprayed?”

Nichols then yells out, “Mom!” as he slowly starts to sit up, it appears one of the officers sprayed him – possibly pepper spray – then repeatedly says “Give me your hands.” Officers then continued the struggle with Nichols.

In the other video clip, Nichols appeared possibly unconscious – meaning he was no longer a threat to police – one of the officers used a baton to beat Nichols as police propped up Nichols.

Later on in the video, another clip showed Nichols in handcuffs sitting on the pavement, leaning against a vehicle as officers wait for the fire department. Once paramedics arrive on scene, Nichols can be seen slumping over and the paramedics trying to get him back up.

Memphis police chief says there is no video evidence of him driving recklessly in the first place.

Since the incident took place, five officers were charged in Nichols’ death: Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith. All five of the police officers are Black.

The five officers were fired from the department about 11 days after the traffic stop incident. Each face charges of second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnappings, official misconduct and official oppression.

It was revealed Friday morning, hours before the video release, that four of the five officers posted bond and were released from jail. Mills, Smith and Bean each had a $250,000 bond, while Martin and Haley had a $350,000 bond.

Prior to the video release, Nichols’ mother urged the public to protest in peace. During a vigil Thursday night, RowVaughn Wells pleaded with the nation to demonstrate peacefully in her son’s memory.

“I don’t want us burning up our cities, tearing up the streets because that’s not what my son stood for,” Wells said Thursday. “And if you guys are here for me and Tyre, you will protest peacefully.”

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Tyre Nichols’ mother urges peaceful protest: ‘I don’t want us burning up our cities’

If you’re in distress due to recent incidents of violence, please know that there is help is available. Talk to experienced counselors at the Disaster Distress Helpline for 24/7 emotional support. Call or text 1-800-985-5990. Click here for additional resources.

Here in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Police Department issued a statement acknowledging the City of Memphis’ decision to release the beating videos. LAPD called Nichols’ death “inexcusable” and vowed to “ensure the lawful expression of the public’s anger and frustration is protected.”

LAPD is keeping a close watch in case of possible local protests but is “prepared to facilitate those wishing to exercise their First Amendment rights.”

LAPD Chief Michel Moore issued a statement minutes after the Friday evening video release, calling the Memphis PD officers’ actions “grotesque” and “incredibly disturbing, cruel and inhumane.”

Moore added the video angered him not only as a police officer but also as an American.

“This behavior goes against every principle of the law enforcement profession and is in direct contradiction to the dedication and sacrifice of the vast majority of our members who strive to protect and to serve. The violation of trust tarnishes our badge and has a caustic effect on the public’s trust. The Los Angeles Police Department strives each day to build trust and events such as this are sobering reminders of how quickly that can be lost.”

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Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna also issued a statement in response to the Memphis police officers’ actions:

“Due to the irreprehensible actions of five former law enforcement officers, an inexcusable tragedy transpired in Memphis, Tennessee, that resulted in the death of Tyre Nichols.

No words can ease the pain of the Nichols’ family during this difficult time. I stand with you in anger and frustration in watching the video footage.

I want the County of Los Angeles residents to know we are here to protect everyone.”

WATCH: Tyre Nichols Protesters Block Freeway Traffic in Memphis

‘I don’t want us burning up our city’: Tyre Nichols’ mom calls for peaceful protests

by: Melissa Moon source

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) — The mother of Tyre Nichols is calling for peaceful protests after the video of her son’s confrontation with Memphis police is released Friday.Nichols’ stepfather said Monday he saw the video of his stepson’s arrest. During a candlelight vigil for Nichols Thursday night in Midtown, his mother Rowvaughn Wells said she hadn’t watched the video but knows it’s horrific.“I want each and every one of you to protest in peace. I don’t want us burning up our city, tearing up the streets because that is not what my son stood for,” said Wells. “If you guys are here for Tyre and me, then you will protest peacefully.”Dozens gathered at Tobey skate park on Avery to remember Nichols and show their support for his family. During a news conference on Monday, family members talked about Nichols skateboarding and shared a video of him doing what he loved.

Nichols’ stepfather said Monday he saw the video of his stepson’s arrest. During a candlelight vigil for Nichols Thursday night in Midtown, his mother Rowvaughn Wells said she hadn’t watched the video but knows it’s horrific.

Photo by Melissa Moon, WREG

“I want each and every one of you to protest in peace. I don’t want us burning up our city, tearing up the streets because that is not what my son stood for,” said Wells. “If you guys are here for Tyre and me, then you will protest peacefully.”

Dozens gathered at Tobey skate park on Avery to remember Nichols and show their support for his family. During a news conference on Monday, family members talked about Nichols skateboarding and shared a video of him doing what he loved.

The vigil was held hours after five Memphis police officers were charged with his death.

Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr., and Justin Smith were booked into the Shelby County Jail on charges of second-degree murder, aggravated assault, two counts of aggravated kidnapping, two counts of official misconduct, and official oppression.

The announcement was made Thursday by Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy and later confirmed by Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland. Officials have said they wanted to give Nichols’ family the opportunity to see the video before the public.

Wells said her family is grief-stricken right now, and she is concerned about what could happen in her city.

WATCH: Tyre Nichols Protesters Block Freeway Traffic in Memphis

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https://youtu.be/hQ9Iqz5pJHg

WATCH: Tyre Nichols Protesters Block Freeway Traffic in Memphis

Tyre Nichols death: 5 Memphis officers charged with murder

The Truth News — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 12:48:21 +0000

Tyre Nichols death: 5 Memphis officers charged with murder

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Five fired Memphis police officers were charged Thursday with murder and other crimes in the killing of Tyre Nichols, a Black motorist who died three days after a confrontation with the officers during a traffic stop.

Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy told a news conference that although the officers each played different roles in the killing, “they are all responsible.”

The officers, who are all Black, each face charges of second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression.

Video of the Jan. 7 traffic stop will be released to the public sometime Friday evening, Mulroy said. Nichols’ family and their lawyers say the footage shows officers savagely beating the 29-year-old father and FedEx worker for three minutes.

Nichols’ stepfather, Rodney Wells, told The Associated Press by phone that he and his wife, RowVaughn Wells, who is Nichols’ mother, discussed the second-degree murder charges and are “fine with it.” They had sought first-degree murder charges.

https://youtu.be/r3VRm5a2INM

“There’s other charges, so I’m all right with that,” he said.

Earlier this week, Wells called for any protests that happen when the video is released to remain peaceful. He also said he is “ecstatic” that authorities moved quickly in the case.

David Rausch, director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, said during the news conference that he saw the video and found it “absolutely appalling.”

“Let me be clear: What happened here does not at all reflect proper policing. This was wrong. This was criminal,” Rausch said.

Court records showed that all five former officers — Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills Jr., Emmitt Martin III and Justin Smith — were in custody.

The records did not list attorneys for Smith, Bean or Haley. Martin’s lawyer, William Massey, confirmed that his client had turned himself in. He and Mills’ lawyer, Blake Ballin, said their clients would plead not guilty.

“No one out there that night intended for Tyre Nichols to die,” Massey said.

Both lawyers said they had not seen the video.

“We are in the dark about many things, just like the general public is,” Ballin said.

Second-degree murder is punishable by 15 to 60 years in prison under Tennessee law.

The attorneys for Nichols’ family, Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, issued a statement saying that the charges offer “hope as we continue to push for justice for Tyre.”

“This young man lost his life in a particularly disgusting manner that points to the desperate need for change and reform to ensure this violence stops occurring during low-threat procedures, like in this case, a traffic stop,” they wrote.

The Rev. Al Sharpton, who founded and runs the National Action Network and will deliver the eulogy at Nichols’ funeral service next week, called the charges “a necessary step in delivering justice” for Nichols, who was an avid skateboarder and had a 4-year-old son.

“There is no point to putting a body camera on a cop if you aren’t going to hold them accountable when the footage shows them relentlessly beating a man to death,” Sharpton said. “Firings are not enough. Indictments and arrests are not convictions. As we’ve done in the past … we will stand by this family until justice is done.”

At the White House, President Joe Biden said Nichols’ family and the city of Memphis deserve “a swift, full and transparent investigation.”

“Public trust is the foundation of public safety, and there are still too many places in America today where the bonds of trust are frayed or broken,” Biden said in a statement.

The Memphis police chief has called the officers’ actions that night “heinous, reckless and inhumane.”

“This is not just a professional failing. This is a failing of basic humanity toward another individual,” Memphis Police Director Cerelyn “CJ” Davis said in a video statement released late Wednesday on social media.

Davis said the five officers found to be “directly responsible for the physical abuse of Mr. Nichols,” were fired last week, but other officers are still being investigated for violating department policy. In addition, she said “a complete and independent review” will be conducted of the department’s specialized units, without providing further details.

Two fire department workers were also removed from duty over the Nichols’ arrest.

As state and federal investigations continue, Davis promised the police department’s “full and complete cooperation” to determine what contributed to Nichols’ Jan. 10 death.

Mulroy told The Associated Press on Tuesday that local and state investigators wanted to complete as many interviews as possible before releasing the video. The timetable has rankled some activists who expected the video to be released after Nichols’ family and the family’s lawyers viewed it Monday.

Crump said the video showed showed that Nichols was shocked, pepper-sprayed and restrained when he was pulled over for a traffic stop near his home. He was returning home from a suburban park where he had taken photos of the sunset.

Police have said Nichols was stopped for reckless driving and at some point fled from the scene.

The legal team likened the beating to the infamous 1991 police beating of Los Angeles motorist Rodney King.

Relatives have accused the police of causing Nichols to have a heart attack and kidney failure. Authorities have only said Nichols experienced a medical emergency.

When video of the arrest is publicly released, Davis said she expects people in the community to react, but she urged them to do so peacefully.

“None of this is a calling card for inciting violence or destruction on our community or against our citizens,” she said.

One of the officers, Haley, was accused previously of using excessive force. He was named as a defendant in a 2016 federal civil rights lawsuit while employed by the Shelby County Division of Corrections.

The plaintiff, Cordarlrius Sledge, stated that he was in inmate in 2015 when Haley and another corrections officer accused him of flushing contraband. The two officers “hit me in the face with punches,” according to the complaint.

A third officer then slammed his head to the ground, Sledge said. He lost consciousness and woke up in the facility’s medical center.

The claims were ultimately dismissed after a judge ruled that Sledge had failed to file a grievance against the officers within 30 days of the incident.

Tyre Nichols: What we know about his death and the Memphis officers charged with murder

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Five fired Memphis police officers are facing second-degree murder and other charges in the arrest and death of Tyre Nichols, a Black motorist who died three days after a confrontation with the officers during a traffic stop.

The five officers charged are Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills Jr., Emmitt Martin III and Justin Smith.

Here’s what we know about Nichols, his death and what led to criminal charges for the officers involved.

Who was Tyre Nichols?

Tyre Nichols was a 29-year-old father and FedEx worker. He was stopped by police on Jan. 7 for reckless driving while returning home from a suburban park where he’d taken photos of the sunset

Police said in a statement the day after the encounter that “a confrontation occurred” as officers approached the vehicle and Nichols ran; they said officers caught up to him and that “another confrontation occurred” while they were taking him into custody. Police said Nichols complained of shortness of breath and was taken to a hospital, where he died three days later.

Attorney Ben Crump, who has seen video of the encounter, said Memphis police officers beat Nichols for three minutes, treating him like “a human piñata.”

Nichols was described by family as a “good kid” who loved skateboarding, photography and his 4-year-old son.

Nichols’ stepfather, Rodney Wells, told reporters that his stepson had good reason to run from the officers.

“Our son ran because he was scared for his life,” Rodney Wells said. “And when you see the video, you’ll see why he was scared for his life.”

Relatives have accused the police of causing Nichols to have a heart attack and kidney failure. Authorities have only said Nichols experienced a medical emergency.

RowVaughn Wells, Nichols’ mother, said that on the day of the arrest, her son was looking forward to a chicken she was going to cook for dinner that night.

“All my son was trying to do was come home,” said Nichols’ mother, who sobbed during the news conference and told reporters Nichols was less than 80 yards (73 meters) from home when Memphis police officers “murdered him.”

“We’re going to get justice for my son, Tyre, if that’s the last breath I take,” she said.

Who are the Memphis officers charged with murdering Tyre Nichols?

About a week before they were charged with murder, Memphis Police Director Cerelyn “CJ” Davis announced that the five officers involved in the arrest were fired after the police probe determined that they used excessive force or failed to intervene and render aid.

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

All five officers are Black, though Crump said that was irrelevant and that Black motorists often are treated differently than Whites regardless of the officers’ race, and that the pain of Nichols’ death “is just the same.”

The Memphis police chief has called the actions of five officers involved in the violent arrest of Nichols “heinous, reckless and inhumane” and urged residents of the predominantly Black city to protest peacefully when video is released.

“This is not just a professional failing. This is a failing of basic humanity toward another individual,” Davis said in a video statement released late Wednesday on social media.

As state and federal investigations continue, Davis promised the police department’s “full and complete cooperation” to determine what contributed to Nichols’ death.

The U.S. Justice Department has opened a civil rights investigation into the officers and their actions.

In the complaint, Cordarlrius Sledge stated that he was in inmate in 2015 when Haley and another corrections officer accused him of flushing contraband. The two officers “hit me in the face with punches,” according to the complaint. A third officer then slammed his head to the ground, Sledge said. He lost consciousness, waking up in the facility’s medical center, according to the complaint.

The claims were ultimately dismissed after a judge ruled that Sledge had failed to file a grievance against the officers within 30 days of the incident.

Two fire department workers were also removed from duty over the Nichols’ arrest.

When will the Tyre Nichols video be released?

Police video viewed by the family on Monday showed that Nichols was shocked, pepper sprayed and restrained, Crump said. He said the encounter was reminiscent of the infamous 1991 police beating of Los Angeles motorist Rodney King.

Crump said the video shows the encounter was “violent” and “troublesome on every level.” Romanucci called it “savage” and out of proportion to the alleged offense.

Attorneys said Nichols can be heard on the video crying out for his mother.

Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy initially said releasing the video would risk compromising the investigation, but later officials said the video will be released. Mulroy said the video will be released after 6 p.m. Friday (Jan. 27).

Will there be protests in Memphis?

The city has been on edge about the release of the police footage because of the possibility of unrest.

Nichols’ stepfather asked that if there are protests, that they remain peaceful, saying violence “is not what Tyre wanted and won’t bring him back.”

The city’s police chief said she expects the community to react.

“I expect our citizens to exercise their First Amendment right to protest, to demand actions and results, but we need to ensure our community is safe in this process,” Davis said. “None of this is a calling card for inciting violence or destruction on our community or against our citizens.”

In a statement, President Biden said Nichols’ family deserves a “swift, full, and transparent investigation into his death.”

“As Americans grieve, the Department of Justice conducts its investigation, and state authorities continue their work, I join Tyre’s family in calling for peaceful protest,” he said. “Outrage is understandable, but violence is never acceptable. Violence is destructive and against the law. It has no place in peaceful protests seeking justice.

“Public trust is the foundation of public safety and there are still too many places in America today where the bonds of trust are frayed or broken,” he continued. “Tyre’s death is a painful reminder that we must do more to ensure that our criminal justice system lives up to the promise of fair and impartial justice, equal treatment, and dignity for all.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

source

‘A failing of basic humanity’:
How five police officers,
were charged with the ‘heinous’ murder
of Tyre Nichols a father and hard working man

Five Memphis officers have been fired after violating multiple department policies in the death of Tyre Nichols as criminal and civil rights investigations are launched. Gustaf Kilander reports

A 29-year-old father died in hospital several days after he was taken into custody by police during a traffic stop.

Now five officers at the Memphis Police Department have been removed from their posts and jailed on second-degree murder charges. source

Tyre Nichols: 5 Fired ex-MPD officers charged with second-degree murder

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Five officers involved in the death of Tyre Nichols were taken into custody at 201 Poplar on Thursday morning.

Those former MPD officers are: Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmit Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith.

All five are charged with: official misconduct thru unauthorized exercise of official power, official misconduct thru failure to perform a duty imposed by law, official oppression, second-degree murder, aggravated assault – act in concert, aggravated kidnapping causing bodily injury, and aggravated kidnapping while possessing a weapon.

First-degree murder usually falls into one of the following two categories: premeditated, intentional killings and felony murder. Second-degree murder is generally either: an unplanned, intentional killing (reacting in the heat of the moment when angry) or a death caused by a reckless disregard for human life.

Haley and Martin are in jail on a $350,000 bond. Smith, Mills and Bean were booked on a $250,000 bond.

Mills and Smith are now free on bond.

Mills is being represented by attorney Blake Ballin. Martin turned himself in, according to his attorney Bill Massey.

In a press conference Thursday, both attorneys admitted they have not seen the police body camera footage of Nichols’ arrest.

“At this point, we don’t know what proof they have because we have not seen or discovered, and we have not seen the video,” Massey said. “So we are kind of in the blind right now. This process has just started.”

Tyre Nichols, 29, died on January 10, days after a confrontation with police put him in the hospital.

Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy held a press conference at 2 p.m. to provide an update on the investigation. Mulroy was joined by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and other members of the DA’s office.

“We understand and acknowledge the grief that the friends and family of Tyre Nichols are experiencing right now,” Mulroy said.

Nichols was pulled over by Memphis police in the Hickory Hill area on January 7 for what was originally reported as reckless driving.

“The actions of all of them resulted in the death of Tyre Nichols, and they are all responsible,” Mulroy said.

Mulroy was joined by TBI Director Davi Rausch during Thursday afternoon’s press conference.

“I’ve been policing for more than 30 years. I’ve devoted my life to this profession and I’m grieved — and frankly, I’m sickened, by what we’ve learned through our extensive investigation,” Rausch said. “Let me be clear. What happened here does not, at all, reflect proper policing. This was wrong. This was a crime.”

The five officers were fired following an internal investigation for their involvement, as well as two EMTs with Memphis Fire being relieved of duty pending the results of their own internal investigation.

MPD determined the officers violated multiple policies, including excessive use of force, duty to intervene and duty to render aid.

By Jacob Gallant source

All five officers fired over the death of Tyre Nichols who died after a ‘violent‘ traffic stop;
have been charged with second degree murder and taken into custody

FedEx driver Tyre Nichols died on January 10 following a violent altercation with Memphis cops
A preliminary autopsy showed he suffered ‘extensive bleeding caused by severe beating’
Each of the five officers involved in the January 7 altercation have now been arrested and charged in connection with Nichols’ death

Five fired Memphis police officers were charged on Thursday with second-degree murder over the death of Tyre Nichols – who died three days after being beaten during a January 7 traffic stop.

Demetrius Haley, Tadarrius Bean, Desmond Mills, Jr., Emmitt Martin III and Justin Smith, who are all black, are now in custody.

In addition to second degree murder the five were also charged with aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression.

On Thursday afternoon DA Steve Mulroy briefed the press, saying his team had moved ‘swiftly, but also fairly’ to review the case that led to the charges against the five officers. He added that the police bodycam footage of the incident will be released sometime after 6pm Central Time on Friday.

Second-degree murder, described by the Memphis District Attorney as a ‘knowing murder,’ is punishable by 15 to 60 years in prison under Tennessee law.

Tyre Nichols is pictured in hospital after the incident. The 29-year-old from Memphis died on January 10 from cardiac arrest and kidney failure, three days after he was pulled over for reckless driving by police in unmarked cars

This combo of booking images provided by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office shows, from top row from left, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, bottom row from left, Desmond Mills, Jr. and Justin Smith. The five former Memphis police officers have been charged with second-degree murder and other crimes in the arrest and death of Tyre Nichols, a Black motorist who died three days after a confrontation with the officers during a traffic stop, records showed Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023

All five former cops were detained on bonds of up to $350,000.

Court records don’t list attorneys for Smith, Bean or Haley. Martin’s lawyer, William Massey, confirmed that his client had turned himself in. He and Mills’ lawyer, Blake Ballin, said they planned to discuss the charges at a news conference later Thursday.

Nichols, a 29-year-old FedEx driver, was pulled over on January 7 by the Memphis police for what was initially reported as reckless driving.

That interaction led to a violent confrontation that put him in the hospital, where he would die three days later (January 10) due to ‘extensive bleeding caused by a severe beating,’ according to preliminary results of an autopsy commissioned by attorneys for his family.

He reportedly suffered cardiac arrest and kidney failure following the allegedly brutal interaction with the officers.

By Sophie Mann source

Tyre Nichols video: Memphis officials condemn five arrested officers’ ‘criminal’ actions – latest

Tyre Nichols, 29, died on 10 January, three days after traffic stop turned into confrontation with officers

The Memphis police chief is calling for calm ahead of the Friday release of bodycam footage from the “heinous, reckless and inhumane” death of Tyre Nichols – as she warned it will reveal how five police officers failed the Black man, his family and their community and showed a “disregard for basic human rights”.

Nichols, 29, was allegedly violenty beaten by five officers during a traffic stop on 7 January. He died three days later in hospital. An independent autopsy released by his family has since revealed he suffered “extensive bleeding” before his death.

Five former Memphis officers have been charged with murder over the violent arrest.

“The world is watching us and we need to show the world what lessons we can learn from this tragedy,” Shelby County district attorney Steven Mulroy said on Thursday, announcing the charges.

“We all want the same thing,” he added. “We want justice for Tyre Nichols.”

KEY POINTS

Five Memphis officers charged with second degree murder and put in jail
Memphis braces for release of Tyre Nichols’ bodycam as police chief says it shows ‘heinous, inhumane’ death
Tyre Nichols suffered ‘extensive bleeding,’ autopsy shows
Why is it taking so long for Memphis police to release the Tyre Nichols body camera footage?
Family say Tyre Nichols was beaten ‘like a human piñata’ in Memphis police ‘murder’
Lawyer Ben Crump vows to fight for Tyre Nichols

Local officials tear into fired officers for ‘inhumane’ Tyre Nichols stop

The Memphis police chief has called the actions of five officers involved in the violent arrest of Tyre Nichols “heinous, reckless and inhumane” and made a plea to residents of the city to protest peacefully when video of the arrest is released to the public.

“This is not just a professional failing. This is a failing of basic humanity toward another individual,” Memphis Police Director Cerelyn “CJ” Davis said in a video statement that was released late Wednesday on social media.

The five Black officers found to be “directly responsible for the physical abuse of Mr. Nichols,” who also was Black, were fired last week, but Davis said other officers are still being investigated for violating department policy. An addition, she said “a complete and independent review” will be conducted of the department’s specialized units, without providing further details.

Chief: Officers actions in Tyre Nichols arrest ‘inhumane”

Memphis is on edge ahead of Tyre Nichols video release

Authorities in Memphis, Tennessee, are preparing for intense public blowback as they prepare to release “heinous” police body camera footage depicting the events that led to the death of Tyre Nichols.

Mr Nichols, 29, died three days after Memphis police pulled him over for alleged reckless driving on 7 January. A pair of “confrontations” occurred, according to the police, that resulted in Mr Nichols complaining of shortness of breath and requiring hospitalisation. He died in the hospital three days later.

Evidence from an autopsy commissioned by Mr Nichols’ family and their attorney found that Mr Nichols had suffered “extensive bleeding caused by a severe beating.”

Mr Nichols’ family and supporters demanded transparency from the city in its investigation of the death. Now it seems that transparency is on its way, and backlash is likely to follow.

Graeme Massie source

Tyre Nichols: DOJ investigates Memphis man’s arrest, death

The Truth News — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 06:29:41 +0000

Tyre Nichols: DOJ investigates Memphis man’s arrest, death

By Adrian Sainz source

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – The U.S. Justice Department has opened a civil rights investigation into the arrest of Tyre Nichols, who died days after a confrontation with Memphis Department Police Officers during a traffic stop, officials said Wednesday.

Photo taken on Aug. 11, 2022 shows the U.S. Department of Justice building in Washington, D.C., the United States. The U.S. Department of Justice DOJ filed a motion on Thursday to unseal the search warrant for former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-La

The U.S. attorney’s office released a statement saying the FBI’s field office in Memphis and the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department are investigating the use of force used by police during Nichols’ Jan. 7 arrest.

The arrest and death of Nichols, 29, already has sparked separate investigations by Memphis police and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Nichols’ family, and protesters who have rallied at a police station and the National Civil Rights Museum, have pushed for the release of police body camera footage and have called for officers to face charges.

Relatives have accused police of beating Nichols and causing him to have a heart attack. Authorities have said Nichols, who was Black, experienced a medical emergency.

Nichols was arrested after officers stopped him for reckless driving, police said. There was a confrontation as officers approached the driver, and he ran before he was confronted again by the pursuing officers, who arrested him, authorities said. He complained of shortness of breath and was hospitalized. Officials said a cause of death has not yet been determined.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the state’s police agency, said Nichols died Jan. 10. The agency is conducting a use-of-force investigation at the request of Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy.

Relatives have said that the officers who pulled over Nichols were in an unmarked vehicle and that he experienced cardiac arrest and kidney failure because of a beating by officers.

Memphis Police Director Cerelyn “CJ” Davis said Sunday that the department was serving notice to the officers involved concerning policy violations. The statement did not indicate how many officers were involved.

Davis and Mayor Jim Strickland said Tuesday that video footage of the arrest will be released after the police department’s investigation is completed and the family can review it.

The police department’s internal investigation will be completed by the end of this week, and city leaders are arranging a meeting early next week with the family of Nichols, according to a joint statement from both Strickland and Davis.

After initially declining comment on the Justice Department’s investigation, the city of Memphis sent out a statement late Wednesday afternoon saying it will fully cooperate with the federal agencies conducting the probe. Memphis’ police department did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

At a memorial service for Nichols on Tuesday, family and friends remembered him as a joyful, lovable man who worked making boxes at FedEx, enjoyed skateboarding and regularly drank coffee and chatted with friends at Starbucks. Some of those in attendance wore T-shirts that read “Justice for Tyre,” and “Skate in Peace.”

Relatives said Nichols was from California and moved to Memphis about a year ago. He had two brothers and a sister, relatives said.

Nichols’ stepfather, Rodney Wells, said during the service that Nichols’ supporters want the officers involved in the arrest to be charged with first-degree murder.

“We’re not going down without a fight,” Wells said.

Attorneys: Police beat Tyre Nichols for three minutes

“An attorney for the family of a Black man who died at a hospital,
three days after a confrontation with police during a traffic stop,
says video of the encounter shows it was “violent” and “troublesome on every level !”

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — An attorney for the family of a Black man who died at a hospital three days after a confrontation with police during a traffic stop said Monday that video of the encounter shows it was “violent” and “troublesome on every level.”

Attorney Ben Crump said during a news conference that the footage of Tyre Nichols’ Jan. 7 arrest “is appalling. It is deplorable. It is heinous.”

Crump, who viewed the video along with Nichols’ family and their other lawyers earlier Monday, said it reminded them of the infamous video of the Los Angeles police beating of Rodney King.

“Regrettably, it reminded us of Rodney king video. … And unlike Rodney King, Tyre didn’t survive,” he said.

Another of the family’s attorneys, Antonio Romanucci, said the beating of Nichols lasted three minutes.

“He was a human piñata for those police officers,” said Romanucci.

Crump said the authorities won’t release the video to the public for a week or two, but that it will be released.

Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy issued a statement investigators don’t want the release of the video to the public yet because they don’t want to risk compromising the investigation.

Nichols, a 29-year-old father, FedEx worker and avid skateboarder, died Jan. 10 at a hospital, authorities said.

Memphis Police Department Director Cerelyn “CJ” Davis announced Friday that five officers involved in the arrest were fired after the police probe determined that they used excessive force or failed to intervene and render aid.

Nichols’ family, protesters and activists have called for the video’s release and for the officers to be charged with murder.

The officers have been identified as Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills, Jr. and Justin Smith. All five are Black.

Relatives have accused police of beating Nichols and causing him to have a heart attack. Authorities have only said that Nichols experienced a medical emergency. The U.S. Justice Department has opened a civil rights investigation into the arrest, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is looking into whether excessive force was used.

City and community leaders have expressed concern about the possibility of civil unrest following the video’s release.

State Rep. Antonio Parkinson, a Memphis Democrat, said the predominantly Black city has been on edge since the arrest, which he called “horrific and senseless.”

“The release of the tape may certainly aggravate the feelings of hurt, sorrow and embarrassment that we are all feeling,” Parkinson said. “However, the need for transparency is vitally important in all cases of police involved deaths.”

Van Turner, president of the Memphis chapter of the NAACP, also acknowledged that Memphis appears tense as it waits for the video. But he praised the city and the police department for taking “quick action” in firing the officers.

“We will continue to monitor and support a fair and just resolution to this matter,” Turner said. “We join the call for peaceful protests as we all work towards making sure that proper measures are put in place to prevent this type of incident from occurring in the future.”

Turner also said that the potential for unrest could be higher if the officers who were involved were white.

“If the video is significantly more egregious than what we have seen, then the unrest could still be there,” Turner said.

Nichols was arrested after officers stopped him for reckless driving, police said. In a news release the day after his arrest, the police department said that as officers approached the vehicle, “a confrontation occurred’ and he ran. It said officers caught up to him and that ”another confrontation occurred” while they were taking him into custody. Police said he complained of shortness of breath and was hospitalized.

Officials said a cause of death has not been determined.

Relatives have said the officers who pulled over Nichols were in an unmarked vehicle and that he experienced cardiac arrest and kidney failure from the officers beating him.

Crump and Romanucci issued a statement Friday saying they support the department’s decision to fire the officers.

“This is the first step towards achieving justice for Tyre and his family. They must also be held accountable for robbing this man of his life and his son of a father,” they said.

The attorneys said they “will continue to demand transparency and accountability” and plan to review video footage to seek additional clarity about the circumstances that led to Nichols’ death. The lawyers planned a news conference for later Monday with the family.

As for the timing of the video’s release to the public, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said the law “places limits on such video release, and that we have to make sure we do so without compromising our ability to arrive at justice in this case.”

“I ask for your patience as we gather all necessary information so that we don’t compromise the investigation or any possible future prosecution,” Mulroy said in a statement.

The Nichols case is the latest high-profile death case to rattle the city. Since November 2021, Memphis has seen the fatal shooting of rapper Young Dolph in a daytime ambush at a bakery; a crime rampage in which a man has been charged with fatally shooting three people and wounding three others; the killing of a United Methodist Church pastor during a carjacking in her driveway; and the early-morning kidnapping of a jogger whose body was later found near a house.

By ADRIAN SAINZ source Follow Adrian Sainz on Twitter: https://twitter.com/asainz22

‘We will see what they did to Tyre’ | Family asks for patience, recounts ‘horrific’ & ‘appalling’ video of confrontation with MPD

“We are going to get justice for Tyre, if that’s the last breath I take,” said RowVaughn Wells, Tyre Nichols’ mother.

MEMPHIS, Tenn — The Shelby County District Attorney’s office said the release of video footage of the arrest of Tyre Nichols, which led to five Memphis Police officers being fired after Nichols died in the hospital, could come “this week or next.”

Relatives of Tyre Nichols met with city officials Monday morning to view video footage of the Jan. 7 arrest, according to attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the family.

During a news conference at Mt. Olive Cathedral CME Church Monday afternoon, Crump said they would not get into too many details because the investigation was ongoing, but they saw multiple videos.

“We will see what they did to Tyre,” said Crump as he asked activists to be patient for one to two weeks for the video, to allow the family “to get what they want most, which is justice.”

What Tyre’s parents said about the video of his arrest

Rodney Wells, Nichols’ stepfather, asked first if there were any protests, for them to be peaceful. Wells called the video “horrific”, saying, “No father, mother, should have to witness what I saw today.” Wells continued talking of Tyre, saying “my son was a great, great kid. He didn’t deserve what he got. Now what he deserves is justice.” Wells also said justice for them is nothing short of “murder one. Anything less than that we will not accept.”

He said, “Our son ran because he was scared for his life. He wasn’t running because he had drugs he was trying to get a rid or had a gun. I want to get that out there of ‘why did he run?’ He ran because he was trying to get home (safely).”

Nichols’ mother, RowVaughn Wells, said “my son really was a good boy.” She said skateboarding was his passion, and he would want to skate every day. She called him a beautiful soul, and said he didn’t mind being in Memphis after the pandemic because he was “with his mom.” She said Nichols was less than 80 yards away “when they murdered him.” His mom said her son died on Jan. 7, but doctors “pulled the plug” on Jan. 10.

“My son was a wonderful soul. He received a tremendous outpouring of support from FedEx, despite working there for only nine months. Tyre will never walk through that door and say ‘hello parents’ because that’s what he would do. I’ll never hear that again,” said his mother.

“I hate the fact that us as Black people, we out here killing each other. I don’t know why? We have the police killing us? I don’t know why… What happened to the humanity and kindness? What happened to it all?” said RowVaughn Wells. “We are going to get justice for Tyre, if that’s the last breath I take.”

Nichols was “kicked, tased, pepper-sprayed and restrained” in the video

Crump called the video “appalling, deplorable, heinous, violent, and very troublesome on every level.” He said it is “evidence of what happens to Black and Brown people because of simple traffic stops.” He said, “We have to ask America: how would you treat our White brother and sisters in a traffic stop? Then treat our Black and Brown citizens the same way.”

Crump said Chief Davis told them she “was not proud of what they were about to see” in the video. He said “regrettably,” it reminded them of Rodney King video.

He asked the community to keep the family in their prayers, especially Nichols’ mother, who keeps asking, “Why my baby? Why my baby?”

Attorney Antonio Romanucci said Nichols was “defenseless” and a “human piñata” for police officers, and said Nichols was beaten for three minutes. “It was unabashed, nonstop beating. That is what is going to show up in that video,” said Romanucci.

He called the beating “savage.” He said the officers were in unmarked cars, and wanted to know why they are conducting traffic stops. “Let’s call this what it is; this is a racist traffic stop… These police officers knew it in their mind they could get away with this.”

Romanucci said Nichols was defenseless, and was kicked in the video. Crump then said Nichols was tased, pepper-sprayed and restrained as the MPD officers were arresting him.

Romanucci also asked everyone to exercise patience until the video comes out, “then you can be your own judge.”

He said they will move forward with civil litigation and their own investigation. “Not only are we looking for justice, we are looking for changes. We are looking for policy changes,” said Romanucci.

Crump said during the video, Nichols said, “I just wanna go home.” He said in the last words on the video, Nichols called out “mom” three times, while only about 80 yards from his home.

Van Turner spoke during the news conference, and said the question becomes “why does this keep occurring again and again, and what can we do to keep this from happening?”

Turner said they are working to make sure police policy is followed, especially policies put into place after situations like George Floyd’s death.

Following the news conference, Crump and Romanucci issued the following statement: “Today, with the family of Tyre Nichols, we saw with our own eyes the disgusting way in which he lost his life at the hands of Memphis police. Tyre was brutalized by Memphis police, much like how Rodney King was beaten more than thirty years ago –– but unlike Rodney, Tyre lost his life from this violent attack. How are we here again so many years later? These former officers must face the consequences of taking this young man’s life and robbing his family of their loved one –– justice is the only path forward.”

What city officials are saying about Tyre Nichols’ death

The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office released this statement after meeting with the family Monday morning: “Earlier today, we met with the family of Tyre Nichols— who have now seen the video. Transparency is a priority for the DA’s Office, and we understand the public’s desire for immediate release. However, it’s important that the release does not compromise the investigation.

We’re working with the TBI and FBI to expedite that investigation and are consulting regularly with the City of Memphis about the video’s release, which we expect will occur this week or next.”

In a statement to social media following the meeting with the family, Memphis Police said “The Memphis Police Department & City Administration met with the family of Tyre Nichols this morning to facilitate the viewing of video recordings.

The Memphis Police Department is fully cooperating with the criminal investigation being conducted by the US Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office.

‘Transparency remains a priority in this incident, and a premature release could adversely impact the criminal investigation and the judicial process. We are working with the District Attorney’s Office to determine the appropriate time to release the video recordings publicly,’ said Chief Cerelyn Davis.”

Mayor Jim Strickland and MPD Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis said previously video of the arrest would be released after the conclusion of an internal police investigation and after Nichols’ family has seen it, but the exact timing wasn’t immediately clear.

Nichols, a 29-year-old father, FedEx worker and avid skateboarder, died Jan. 10, authorities said.

His family, protesters and activists have called for the video’s release and for the officers to be charged with murder. Davis announced Friday that five officers involved in the arrest were fired after the police probe determined that they used excessive force or failed to intervene and render aid.

The officers have been identified as Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills, Jr. and Justin Smith. All five are Black.

Justin Smith, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr, Demetrius Haley, and Tadarrius Bean were fired by Memphis Police Depart for their role in the death of Tyre Nichols

City and community leaders have expressed concern about the possibility of civil unrest following the video’s release.

State Rep. Antonio Parkinson, a Memphis Democrat, said the predominantly Black city has been on edge since the arrest, which he called “horrific and senseless.”

Turner also said that the potential for unrest could be higher if the officers who were involved were white.

“If the video is significantly more egregious than what we have seen, then the unrest could still be there,” Turner said.

Nichols was arrested after officers stopped him for reckless driving, according to Memphis Police. In a news release the day after his arrest, the police department said that as officers approached the vehicle, “a confrontation occurred’ and he ran. It said officers caught up to him and that “another confrontation occurred” while they were taking him into custody. Police said he complained of shortness of breath and was hospitalized.

Officials said a cause of death has not been determined.

Relatives have said the officers who pulled over Nichols were in an unmarked vehicle and that he experienced cardiac arrest and kidney failure from the officers beating him.

Credit: WATN

Attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, who represent Nichols’ family, issued a statement Friday saying they support the department’s decision to fire the officers.

“This is the first step towards achieving justice for Tyre and his family. They must also be held accountable for robbing this man of his life and his son of a father,” they said.

The attorneys said they “will continue to demand transparency and accountability” and plan to review video footage to seek additional clarity about the circumstances that led to Nichols’ death.

“I ask for your patience as we gather all necessary information so that we don’t compromise the investigation or any possible future prosecution,” Mulroy said in a statement.

Attorneys: Autopsy shows Tyre Nichols suffered ‘extensive bleeding caused by a severe beating’

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) — An independent autopsy indicated that Tyre Nichols suffered “extensive bleeding caused by a severe beating”, according to attorneys representing his family.

Nichols died on Jan. 10 after he was involved in a traffic stop that left him critically injured three days earlier. Five Memphis police officers involved in his arrest were fired.

Attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci confirmed the findings Tuesday in a statement saying:

“On January 23, 2023, our legal team had its own independent autopsy performed on the body of Tyre Nichols by a highly regarded, nationally renowned forensic pathologist. We can state that preliminary findings indicate Tyre suffered extensive bleeding caused by a severe beating, and that his observed injuries are consistent with what the family and attorneys witnessed on the video of his fatal encounter with police on January 7, 2023. Further details and findings from this independent report will be disclosed at another time.”

The news comes as the Department of Justice, FBI, TBI and district attorney’s office continue their investigation. At the request of the investigating agencies, the video of the incident will be released to the public in one to two weeks.

by: Autumn Scott source

Independent autopsy shows Tyre Nichols ‘suffered extensive bleeding caused by severe beating,’ attorneys say

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci have issued a statement on preliminary findings in the independent autopsy of Tyre Nichols, who died after an encounter with Memphis police.

Nichols died on Jan. 10, days after he was involved in a traffic stop conducted by the Memphis Police Department that left him critically injured. Nichols fled the traffic stop scene, and the police began to chase him. Police brutalized him to the point of being unrecognizable.

Attorneys for the family issued the following statement:

source

Police radio traffic holds clues in Tyre Nichols case

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) — As we wait for the video footage of what happened to be released to the public, police radio traffic holds clues as to what led to the brutal arrest of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols.

You can hear some of the tense moments that ultimately led to Nichols’ death and the firing of five officers. Two Memphis firefighters were also relieved of duty while the investigation is underway.

Memphis Police say they initially pulled Nichols over for reckless driving, around 8:30 the night of January 7 at East Raines and Ross Roads. His family says he was on his way home, and the initial stop was less than half a mile from his house.

“Any other Scorpion car pull over to East Raines and Ross. We have one running on foot,” one officer was heard saying on radio traffic from Broadcastify obtained by WREG.

An officer asks for a perimeter to be set up.

“Run that tag, see the address,” an officer says.

Officers realize Nichols lives close by. It sounds as if some kind of chase has started.

“[Inaudible]… at Ross and Castlegate Lane, he’s fighting at this time.”

What happens over the course of the interactions and confrontations as described by police is sparsely documented on the radio.

“Taser was deployed as well,” one officer said.

Later a female voice says, “Fire, this is police, uh, we need ya’ll to come to East Raines and Ross. We have officers on scene. They, uh, sprayed a person.”

Radio traffic only captures portions of what officers communicate with dispatch. But there are moments of screaming and heavy breathing in the recordings.

Nichols’ family says he ran because he was terrified for his life and said in the video, he calls for his mother.

His attorneys say an independent autopsy shows Nichols suffered “extensive bleeding caused by a severe beating” and his injuries are consistent with what his family witnessed in the video of the encounter.Video of Nichols’ encounter with police will be publicly released in the next one to two weeks, attorneys said. Memphis officials say they are determining the appropriate time to release the video.

by: Shay Arthur source

Police dispatch from the moments of Tyre Nichols’ confrontation with officers

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — FOX13 News has obtained police dispatch audio from the day investigators said officers had two confrontations with Tyre Nichols, 29. Here is a transcript of the dispatch audio:

“2933, we have one black male running.”

“2938, you still have eyes on that subject?”

“Any other Scorpion units pull over to east Raines and Ross.”

“Any other scorpion units pull over to east Raines and Ross. We have one running on foot.”

“Run that tag and see its address.”

“Be advised the subject lives at —- Castlegate.”

“Show me at —- and ——-.””At Ross and Castlegate Lane. He’s fighting at this time.”

“Does the fire department need to come back down to you or are you bringing him back down?”

“Check … they’re on their way now.”

The duration of the police dispatch audio pertaining to the incident involving Nichols goes on for nearly 10 minutes.

Attorneys for the Nichols family said the police confrontation in which they viewed between officers and Tyre Nichols lasted for approximately three minutes.

It’s then assumed Nichols spent seven minutes running from police officers.

Tyre Nichols: Memphis police body cam video of traffic stop is ‘appalling,’ attorney says after review

An attorney described Tyre Nichols as ‘a human pinata’ in body camera footage showing his encounter with Memphis police

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump on Monday described body camera footage showing a Jan. 7 traffic stop involving deceased Tyre Nichols, who died three days after his encounter with Memphis police, as “appalling” and “heinous” after reviewing the video with Nichols’ family.

“It is appalling. It is deplorable. It is heinous. It is violent,” Crump said of the footage, likening it to video of Rodney King, a Black man who was beaten by police in the 1990s.

MPD initially pulled over Nichols, 29, on Jan. 7 around 8:30 p.m. for “reckless driving” near Raines Road and Ross Road in Memphis, according to a press release MPD published on Jan. 8.

A portrait of Tyre Nichols is displayed at a memorial service for him on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023 in Memphis, Tenn. Nichols was killed during a traffic stop with Memphis Police on Jan. 7. (AP Photo/Adrian Sainz)

“While attempting to take the suspect into custody, another confrontation occurred; however, the suspect was ultimately apprehended,” MPD said in the press release. “Afterward the suspect complained of having shortness of breath, at which point an ambulance was called to the scene.”

Authorities transported Nichols to St. Francis Hospital in critical condition, and the 28-year-old died three days later on Jan. 10, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), which is investigating the incident.

Nichols’ family believes 28-year-old died as a result of officers’ actions on that day.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump likened police-worn body camera footage of Tyre Nichols to that of Rodney King in the 1990s.

“He was defenseless the entire time. He was a human piñata for those police officers. It was an unadulterated, unabashed beating of this young boy for three minutes. … Not only was it violent. It was savage,” another attorney in Crump’s firm stated during the conference as Nichols’ mother could be heard crying in the background.

Skateboarders skate in front of city hall in remembrance of Tyre Nichols, who died after being beaten by Memphis police officers, five of whom have been fired, in Memphis, Tenn., Monday, Jan. 23, 2023. (Gerald Herbert)

“He loved his son. Everything he was trying to do was to better himself as a father for his 4-year-old son,” the civil rights attorney said.

On Jan. 20, MPD announced the termination of five police officers involved in the incident for violating “multiple department policies, including excessive use of force, duty to intervene, and duty to render aid,” MPD Chief CJ Davis said in a press release at the time.

The five officers who were fired as a result of violating MPD policies include Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith. All five officers were hired between 2017 and 2020.

Crump said during Monday’s press conference that the race of the officers involved is not as significant as the race of the victim.

“It is not the race of the police officer that is the determinable factor of the amount of excessive force that is being exerted. It is the race of the citizen,” the civil rights attorney said. “We have to have accountability no matter who tramples on the Constitution of rights for our citizens.”

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division also opened an investigation into the incident on Jan. 18.

MPD is expected to release the body camera footage in the near future.

By Audrey Conklin | Fox News

Tyre Nichols’ family, lawyer Ben Crump speak after seeing ‘appalling’ footage from arrest

Lucas Finton and Micaela A Watts source

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Almost two weeks after Tyre Nichols died at a hospital, city officials sat down with Nichols’ family to watch footage of five Memphis Police Department officers during the traffic stop that happened three days before his death.

The family, flanked by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, attorney Antonio Romanucci, and Memphis mayoral candidate Van Turner, who is also the president the of NAACP’s Memphis branch, held a press conference during which Crump called the video “appalling.”

“It is deplorable. It is heinous,” Crump said. “It is very troublesome on every level.”

What happened to Tyre Nichols?

Nichols died Jan. 10, three days after he was hospitalized following a traffic stop with Memphis police. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was called to investigate the officers’ “use of force” and the FBI, Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney’s Office are investigating the incident for potential civil rights violations.

According to police, officers from the Memphis Police Department pulled over Nichols, who has no criminal record, around 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 7 for a traffic violation. After what police described as two “confrontations,” Nichols was arrested and “complained of a shortness of breath.”

He was taken to St. Francis Hospital in critical condition. Nichols died in the hospital.

Nichols’ family calls video ‘horrific’

Nichols’ father, Rodney Wells, said during a press conference the family wants the officers charged with “murder one.” Wells said he believed his son ran from police because he was afraid for his life.

“What I saw on that video today was horrific. No father or mother should have to see that,” Wells said.

Shelby Co. DA Steve Mulroy weighs in on Tyre Nichols’ death investigation

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It’s been more than a week — eight days to be exact — since the death of Tyre Nichols, the 29-year-old who Memphis Police said had a confrontation with officers.

Since then, there’s been protests, outcry and now, the federal government is stepping in.

“I want to assure the public that we take this kind of case very seriously, we understand what’s at stake, we understand the public importance of it and we are committed to being as transparent as we can as quickly as we can,” said Mulroy.

The two biggest questions: When will the body camera footage be released? And will his office be the one to prosecute the officers?

“With that in mind, let me just tell you that I originally decided during the campaign and shortly after I took office that when we had officer-involved fatalities, the appropriate course was to get an independent prosecutor. In the first two instances in my tenure, I did precisely that. I went to the TN DA’s conference, a statewide entity, and asked for what’s called a pro-tem appointment of an independent prosecutor, but sadly, because there’s been so many officer-involved fatality cases happening so rapidly, I decided to come up with a different process,” he said.

That different process he’s referring to is to turn to his Justice Review Unit, which was just launched last month.

It consists of Lorna McCluskey and Rob Gowan, two longtime Memphis defense attorneys.

“This is the unit that’s primary responsibility is to look back at our own work in our DA’s office and see if there’s been wrongful convictions or wrongful sentences but I’ve also decided to give them this responsibility as well to make a recommendation based on the TBI investigation in officer involved fatality cases as to whether a prosecution of the involved officers is warranted,” he said.

As for how many officers, Mulroy would not confirm the number of officers or any of the findings from the city investigation, which Mayor Jim Strickland says was completed over the weekend.

But he said once a hearing happens later this week, we can expect to see the video soon after.

“We’re currently thinking that sometime next week might work but we don’t want to guarantee anything because there’s still an ongoing investigation but if all goes well, then something along that timeframe I think is possible,” he said.

Mulroy said there are a handful of reasons why the video has not been released yet.

By Kayla Solomon source

5 officers fired after investigation in death of man

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) — On Friday, Memphis Police Department announced the five officers involved in the arrest of Tyre Nichols have been fired: Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr., and Justin Smith.

The arrest of Nichols, 29, brought national scrutiny to the department and the city after the incident resulted in the man’s hospitalization and eventual death.

In a statement, MPD wrote:

“The Memphis Police Department has concluded its administrative investigation into the tragic death of Mr. Tyre Nichols. After a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding this incident, we have determined that five MPD officers violated multiple department policies, including excessive use of force, duty to intervene, and duty to render aid.

Earlier today, each officer charged was terminated from the Memphis Police Department. The Memphis Police Department is committed to protecting and defending the rights of every citizen in our city. The egregious nature of this incident is not a reflection of the good work that our officers perform, with integrity, every day.”

Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy provided the following statement:

“We understand there are many questions from the public surrounding the Tyre Nichols case. Additionally, we’re aware of the reasonable requests to release video, which we are committed to doing as swiftly as possible.

But we must reemphasize the law places limits on such video release, and that we have to make sure we do so without compromising our ability to arrive at justice in this case. Those who know me know I don’t take situations like this lightly and that I believe firmly in transparency. I ask for your patience as we gather all necessary information so that we don’t compromise the investigation or any possible future prosecution.”

What we know about the case

On Jan. 7, MPD says officers stopped Tyre Nichols for “reckless driving.” Police say as they approached him, a “confrontation” occurred, and he took off running. After a pursuit, officers claim another “confrontation” occurred before taking Nichols into custody.
Family says the second confrontation happened just yards from where he lived. The incident was also reportedly captured by a SkyCop camera.

Police say Nichols then complained of “shortness of breath” and was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Nichols’ family says the incident made him go into cardiac arrest, left him with a broken neck and he suffered from other medical issues.
On Jan. 10, he died in the hospital.

Who is Tyre Nichols?

He leaves behind a 4-year-old son.

Family says he’s never been in trouble.

He liked to take pictures and loved to skateboard. Friends wore “Skate in Peace” shirts to his memorial.
- He was “infectious,” family said. The type of guy that “everywhere he went, he left an impact.” They say he had a “pure soul” and loved helping people.
- He worked at FedEx. The company released a statement and said, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our team member.”
  
  Who’s investigating?
  - Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy immediately asked the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to conduct an independent investigation into the use of force by Memphis police officers.
  - On Jan. 9, his office sent an email stating they plan “to publish the redacted results on the SCDAG website when the findings are complete.”
  - On Jan. 15, Police Chief C.J. Davis and Mayor Jim Strickland released a joint statement stating the officers involved in the incident have been served notice of “impending administrative action.” Davis also stated she reviewed “various sources of information involving this incident.”
  - On Jan. 16, Nichols’ family retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump. He stated, “all of the available information tells us that this was the tragic and preventable death of a young man deeply beloved by his family and community.” He added, “nobody should die from a simple traffic stop,” and the footage is the “only way to discern the true narrative.”
  - On Jan. 17, the city issued a statement saying the video would be released publicly after the completion of the internal investigation into the actions of the officers and after Nichols’ family has had the opportunity to review it privately. They have not said what type of video from the incident exists, but that they are arranging to meet with Nichols’ family next week.
  - On Jan. 18, United States Attorney Kevin G. Ritz announced the U.S. Attorney’s Office in coordination with the FBI and the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice opened a civil rights investigation into Nichols’ death.

by: Stuart Rucker, Jessica Gertler source

5 Memphis police officers fired in death of Tyre Nichols

Five Memphis police officers who were involved in the arrest of Tyre Nichols – who died three days after a traffic stop earlier this month – have been fired, the department announced Friday.

The five officers were dismissed following an “internal investigation” which determined that they “violated multiple department policies, including excessive force, duty to intervene, and duty to render aid,” Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis said in a statement.

The five officers were identified by the department as Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith.

On Jan. 7, the 29-year-old Nichols, who is Black, was arrested after officers stopped him for reckless driving, police said.

There was a confrontation as officers approached the driver, and he ran before he was confronted again by the pursuing officers, who arrested him, authorities said. He complained of shortness of breath and was hospitalized. Officials said a cause of death has not yet been determined.

he five officers who were fired are all Black, according to a Memphis Police public information officer.

Federal authorities announced Wednesday they were launching a civil rights investigation into the actions of Memphis police.

Relatives have said that the officers who pulled over Nichols were in an unmarked vehicle and that he experienced cardiac arrest and kidney failure because of a beating by officers.

Davis and Mayor Jim Strickland said Tuesday that video footage of the arrest will be released after the police department’s investigation is completed and the family can review it.

source

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hTGxseMJL4

Sierra Rogers, holding her daughter Khloe Rogers, 1, wipes away tears as she speaks during a memorial service for her friend Tyre Nichols, Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, in Memphis, Tenn. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian via AP)

Tyre Nichols Archives - Good Shepherd News - Fastest Growing Religious, Free Speech & Political Content

All 5 officers charged in Tyre Nichols’ death removed or failed to activate their body-worn cameras

All 5 officers charged in Tyre Nichols’ death removed or failed to activate their body-worn cameras. They were caught by a ‘sky cop’ camera installed to monitor crime hotspots.

Tyre Nichols – MURDERED BY DIRTY PIGS

ENJOY LIFE AFTER THIS GUILTY OR NOT BY A COURT WONT MATTER YOUR NAMES ARE FINISHED IF YOU END UP GUILTY ITS ADSEG SINGLE MAN CELL 23 HOUR LOCKDOWN FOR EX-COPS OR MAINLINE AND TORTURED! IF YOU END UP NOT-GUITLY IN COURT, THE STREETS AND THE BUSINESS WORLD GOT YOU COVERED!

Tyre Nichols Story: US Congress needs to urgently pass police reform laws that ban chokeholds

Tyre Nichols Murdered by Criminal (PIGS)

Tyre Nichols Story: US Congress needs to urgently pass police reform laws that ban chokeholds

Tyre Nichols’ lawyer calls on US Congress to urgently pass police reform laws that ban chokeholds in the wake of his shocking death at the hands of five cops who beat him ‘like a pinata’

The five unanswered questions

A Message to Team Members on the Death of Tyre Nichols

4 of the 5 officers charged in Tyre Nichols’ death had prior violations at work

4 of the 5 officers charged in ‘Tyre Nichols’ death had prior violations at work

Demetrius Haley

Desmond Mills, Jr.

Emmitt Martin III

Justin Smith

Tadarrius Bean

First police report in Tyre Nichols case does not match video of deadly beating

First police report in Tyre Nichols case does not match video of deadly beating

They beat on him like he was nothing,’ brother says

Nichols’ brother feels guilty he couldn’t save him

Charges, firings and those placed on leave so far

‘A gross collapse of the system’

“I Hope They Stomp His Ass” One Officer BodyCam Recorded Saying

“I Hope They Stomp His Ass” One Officer BodyCam Recorded Saying

REMEMBER THESE LONG ASS VIOLENT VIDEOS ARE STILL REDACTED SO YOU KNOW IT WAS EVEN WORSE

3 fire personnel are terminated 2 other Memphis officers were placed on leave over Tyre Nichols deadly beating

3 fire personnel are terminated 2 other Memphis officers were placed on leave over Tyre Nichols deadly beating, officials say

One officer said, ‘I hope they stomp his ass’

What the footage shows

Expert questions second-degree murder charges

SCORPION unit tied to deadly beating gets axed

Calls for police reform grow

Tyre Nichols Protesters Peacefully Block Freeway Traffic in Memphis

Tyre Nichols’ mother urges peaceful protest: ‘I don’t want us burning up our cities’

Tyre Nichols Protesters Peacefully Block Freeway Traffic in Memphis

‘Stand up, fight back,’ Tyre Nichols protesters shout as they block traffic on a freeway bridge

Peaceful protests after videos of beating of Tyre Nichols released

at the other end of the country WHERE IT DID NOT HAPPEN LIBERAL CALIFORNIA ERUPTS IN LOS ANGELES

and at the top right above where it happened more disruption Tyre Nichols death: NYC protesters chant ‘burn it down’ after release of violent bodycam video

and at the top right above where it happened more disruption Tyre Nichols protests erupt outside White House after Memphis bodycam video released

Tyre Nichols video release ignites protesters who stomp police car, urge crowds to ‘burn it down!’

Memphis police fired five officers involved in the incident, and they are being charged with second-degree murder

Tyre Nichols protests erupt outside White House after Memphis bodycam video released

‘Jail killer cops’: DC protesters gather following Tyre Nichols bodycam footage released

Mostly peaceful protests held across the U.S. after release of Tyre Nichols footage

Tyre Nichols Screams for His Mom! last words heard …As Cops Punch, Kick Him & Beat Him With A Baton

Tyre Nichols Screams for His Mom! last words heard …As Cops Punch, Kick Him & Beat Him With A Baton

Tyre Nichols’ last words heard on newly released bodycam footage: ‘I’m just trying to get home’

Tyre Nichols called out to his mother several times as officers continued to punch and kick him on Jan. 7

Tyre Nichols video: Memphis authorities release footage from deadly traffic stop

Tyre Nichols, 29, died three days after Memphis prosecutors say police brutally beat him following a traffic stop

Tyre Nichols’ brother awaits fate of 5 officers involved in beating: ‘I hope they die’

Tyre Nichols’ brother said he hopes the five police officers charged for his murder ‘die’

Tyre Nichols: Memphis police release body cam video of deadly beating

‘I don’t want us burning up our city’: Tyre Nichols’ mom calls for peaceful protests

Tyre Nichols death: 5 Memphis officers charged with murder

Tyre Nichols death: 5 Memphis officers charged with murder

Tyre Nichols: What we know about his death and the Memphis officers charged with murder

Who was Tyre Nichols?

Who are the Memphis officers charged with murdering Tyre Nichols?

When will the Tyre Nichols video be released?

Will there be protests in Memphis?

‘A failing of basic humanity’: How five police officers, were charged with the ‘heinous’ murder of Tyre Nichols a father and hard working man

Tyre Nichols: 5 Fired ex-MPD officers charged with second-degree murder

All five officers fired over the death of Tyre Nichols who died after a ‘violent‘ traffic stop; have been charged with second degree murder and taken into custody

Tyre Nichols video: Memphis officials condemn five arrested officers’ ‘criminal’ actions – latest

KEY POINTS

Local officials tear into fired officers for ‘inhumane’ Tyre Nichols stop

Chief: Officers actions in Tyre Nichols arrest ‘inhumane”

Memphis is on edge ahead of Tyre Nichols video release

Tyre Nichols: DOJ investigates Memphis man’s arrest, death

Tyre Nichols: DOJ investigates Memphis man’s arrest, death

Attorneys: Police beat Tyre Nichols for three minutes

“An attorney for the family of a Black man who died at a hospital, three days after a confrontation with police during a traffic stop, says video of the encounter shows it was “violent” and “troublesome on every level !”

‘We will see what they did to Tyre’ | Family asks for patience, recounts ‘horrific’ & ‘appalling’ video of confrontation with MPD

What Tyre’s parents said about the video of his arrest

Nichols was “kicked, tased, pepper-sprayed and restrained” in the video

What city officials are saying about Tyre Nichols’ death

All 5 officers charged in Tyre Nichols’ death removed or failed to activate their body-worn cameras.
They were caught by a ‘sky cop’ camera installed to monitor crime hotspots.

ENJOY LIFE AFTER THIS GUILTY OR NOT BY A COURT WONT MATTER YOUR NAMES ARE FINISHED
IF YOU END UP GUILTY ITS ADSEG SINGLE MAN CELL 23 HOUR LOCKDOWN FOR EX-COPS OR MAINLINE AND TORTURED!
IF YOU END UP NOT-GUITLY IN COURT, THE STREETS AND THE BUSINESS WORLD GOT YOU COVERED!

3 fire personnel are terminated
2 other Memphis officers were placed on leave
over Tyre Nichols deadly beating, officials say

at the other end of the country
WHERE IT DID NOT HAPPEN LIBERAL CALIFORNIA ERUPTS IN LOS ANGELES

and at the top right above where it happened more disruption
Tyre Nichols death: NYC protesters chant ‘burn it down’ after release of violent bodycam video

and at the top right above where it happened more disruption
Tyre Nichols protests erupt outside White House after Memphis bodycam video released

‘A failing of basic humanity’:
How five police officers,
were charged with the ‘heinous’ murder
of Tyre Nichols a father and hard working man

All five officers fired over the death of Tyre Nichols who died after a ‘violent‘ traffic stop;
have been charged with second degree murder and taken into custody

“An attorney for the family of a Black man who died at a hospital,
three days after a confrontation with police during a traffic stop,
says video of the encounter shows it was “violent” and “troublesome on every level !”