Memphis DA Dismisses 30-40 Cases Linked to Officers Charged in Tyre Nichols’ Death
The Shelby County District Attorney’s office in Memphis, Tennessee, has dismissed around 30-40 cases that were worked on by officers who have been charged in connection with the death of Tyre Nichols, according to reports from ABC 24. The DA’s office reviewed a total of 100 cases that involved former Memphis Police officers, including Tadarrius Bean, Emmitt Martin III, Justin Smith, Desmond Mills Jr., and Demetrius Haley. Out of these 100 cases, approximately 30 were dismissed, while another dozen had their charges reduced.
A spokesperson for Shelby County District Attorney Steven Mulroy cited the lack of credibility from the former officers as the reason for the dismissals. The spokesperson, Erica Williams, stated in a press release that DA Mulroy cites that the dismissals came down to the lack of credibility from the five officers since the charges.
The death of Tyre Nichols occurred on January 10, just three days after he was pulled over in a traffic stop for reckless driving. The incident unfolded when six officers approached Nichols’ vehicle and demanded that he step out. Bodycam footage showed Preston Hemphill, the only white officer present, pulling Nichols out of the car before forcing him to the ground. Hemphill then discharged a stun gun at Nichols after he managed to escape.
Tragically, Nichols was apprehended just steps away from his mother’s home by the five Black officers. As they struggled to subdue him, the officers used a baton to repeatedly strike Nichols, as well as using pepper spray and kicking him during the violent arrest. Nichols, an aspiring photographer, ultimately succumbed to his injuries three days later.
All five of the officers involved in the incident were charged with second-degree murder, two counts of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault, two counts of official misconduct, and one count of official oppression in relation to the death of Tyre Nichols. Another officer, Preston Hemphill, who was not charged, is expected to testify in the case.
In April, the family of Tyre Nichols filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Memphis and its police department, seeking $550 million in damages. The lawsuit alleges that the officers responsible for Nichols’ brutal beating and subsequent death were unqualified, untrained, and unsupervised, and that their actions were a result of the city’s unconstitutional policies and deliberate indifference.
According to local news outlet WREG, a severance hearing for the five charged officers is scheduled for September 15. At this hearing, a trial date may be determined.
The case of Tyre Nichols’ death has highlighted ongoing issues within the justice system and police practices in Memphis, and the dismissal of these 30-40 cases underscores the importance of holding officers accountable for their actions. The pursuit of justice for Tyre Nichols and his grieving family continues as his case moves forward.
