5 Memphis ex-police are charged with murder and jailed over the death of Tyre Nichols

Author: Editors Desk Source: NPR

January 27, 2023 at 11:02

Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy told reporters that while each of the five officers played a different role, "the actions of all of them resulted in the death of Tyre Nichols and they are all responsible."

Five former Memphis police officers have been indicted and jailed in the beating death of Tyre Nichols, who died days after a traffic stop on Jan. 7.

Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith each face several charges, including second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression.

Like Nichols, all of the fired officers are Black.

On Wednesday, Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis released a video statement discussing "the horrific circumstances" of Nichols' death. She called it a professional failing and said "the incident was heinous, reckless and inhumane."

During a news conference announcing the indictments of the five officers, prosecutors gave new details about what happened during the Jan. 7 traffic stop.

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