A former Memphis police officer testified that he punched Tyre Nichols multiple times while two colleagues held his arms during a traffic stop that turned fatal. The incident occurred on January 7, 2023, when Nichols was pulled over and subsequently assaulted by officers Tadarrius Bean, Justin Smith, and Demetrius Haley. The officers have pleaded not guilty to charges of excessive force, failure to intervene, and obstruction of justice.
The officers, along with two others, were fired after Nichols' death, which was captured on police video and later led to federal charges. Two officers, including the testifying former officer, have taken plea deals and are now cooperating with authorities.
The officers were part of the disbanded Scorpion Unit, tasked with combating crime. Jurors watched video evidence of the incident as Nichols' family members looked on. The former officer admitted to using excessive force and lying about the events to his supervisor.
He expressed regret for his actions, stating that he felt pressured by his colleagues to maintain a code of silence. The former officer also revealed personal struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder and previous homicidal thoughts.
Nichols, a Black man and father, died from head injuries sustained during the altercation. The officers face additional charges of second-degree murder in state court. The trial date for the state charges is pending.
The case has sparked outrage and calls for police accountability in Memphis, as the community grapples with the tragic loss of Tyre Nichols.
