A former Memphis police officer, who has pleaded guilty to violating Tyre Nichols' civil rights, testified in court on Tuesday regarding the fatal beating of Nichols. Desmond Mills, the ex-officer, revealed that he was dissatisfied with the hostility displayed by members of the crime suppression unit, even before the incident involving Nichols.
Mills expressed his discomfort with the structure and aggressive approach of the Scorpion Unit, where success was measured by arrest numbers. He highlighted the aggressive behavior of some team members, including the use of nicknames like the 'Smash Bros.' for being overly forceful. Mills also mentioned instances where body cameras were not activated.
The officers involved used pepper spray and a Taser on Nichols, a Black man, during a traffic stop. Nichols fled, leading to a physical altercation a block away from his residence. Nichols succumbed to his injuries three days later, with the autopsy report attributing his death to head trauma.
Mills recounted his interactions with one of the accused officers, Bean, and detailed the events captured on his body camera, showing the use of force on Nichols. Defense attorneys raised concerns about the fitness of some officers on duty that day, citing prior injuries and mental health issues.
The trial, now in its third week, has shed light on the disbandment of the Scorpion Unit following Nichols' death. The accused officers face federal charges of excessive force, failure to intervene, and obstructing justice. Additionally, they are charged with second-degree murder in state court.
The case has garnered significant attention, with detailed analysis of evidence and video footage from the scene. Mills and another officer are expected to change their pleas, while trial dates in state court are pending.
