Two former Memphis officers facing charges of violating Tyre Nichols' civil rights in a fatal beating following a 2023 traffic stop have rested their cases without testifying. The third former officer on trial may still take the witness stand.
Attorneys for Tadarrius Bean and Demetrius Haley informed the jury that they would not be calling any more witnesses. Both sides had previously presented police use-of-force experts to justify the officers' actions during the traffic stop and subsequent beating.
Justin Smith, the third former officer, was expected to testify in his defense but has not yet taken the stand. His lawyer questioned a law enforcement expert who testified that Smith's actions were in line with police standards and training.
The five officers involved in Nichols' death were part of the disbanded Scorpion Unit, which focused on drugs, illegal guns, and violent offenders. Two officers have already pleaded guilty and testified for the prosecution.
Nichols, a Black man, died three days after the beating, which involved the use of pepper spray, a Taser, and physical force. Prosecutors allege that the officers applied excessive force as a form of punishment for Nichols running from the traffic stop.
Haley, Bean, and Smith have pleaded not guilty to federal charges of excessive force, failure to intervene, and obstructing justice. They also face second-degree murder charges in state court, where two officers are expected to change their pleas.
The trial, now in its fourth week, has shed light on the events leading to Nichols' tragic death and the actions of the former officers involved. The case continues to draw attention as it unfolds in the courtroom.
