Tyre Nichols (29) died three days after a traffic encounter, and five former Memphis police officers were charged on Thursday with his murder, according to the prosecution.
Three days after suffering injuries during his detention by the five police officers, Nichols, a 29-year-old father, passed away in a hospital on January 10. According to a report from Reuters, on Friday night, authorities are anticipated to release video taken by a police body-worn camera during the traffic encounter.
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said at a news conference. “We’re here today because of a tragedy that wounds one family deeply but also hurts us all,”
They were identified by the Memphis Police Department on Friday as 24- to 32-year-olds Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills, Jr., and Justin Smith. Each person had worked for the department for between two and five years.
Concerning Mr. Nichols’ death, the FBI and the Department of Justice have launched a civil rights inquiry.
Civil unrest is expected as protest are reportedly being organized nationwide by activists from Black Lives Matter and ANTIFA Rioters.
President Biden expressed his sympathies to the victim’s family as well as the whole community of Memphis in a statement.
“As Americans grieve, the Department of Justice conducts its investigation, and state authorities continue their work, I join Tyre’s family in calling for peaceful protest,” “…Outrage is understandable, but violence is never acceptable.” President Biden said.
The officers face the charges of second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression.
Two of the men’s attorneys declared in a news conference on Thursday that their clients intended to contest the allegations, the BBC reported
“Blake Ballin, an attorney for Mr Mills, said: “Knowing Mr Mills and the kind of person he is, I cannot imagine he has anything but feelings of grief for the [Nichols] family.” A lawyer for Emmitt Martin III said the death was “shocking to officers”. “No-one out there that night intended for Tyre Nichols to die,” said the attorney, William Massey.
The outlet also reported that a counsel for the family said Mr. Nichols was stopped by police on his way home after photographing a sunset at a nearby park.
After seeing the video of the detention, the attorney said that Mr. Nichols is shown being pepper sprayed, tasered, detained, and kicked.
Two “confrontations” allegedly took place after police officers pulled him over for careless driving, according to city officials.
Authorities said that the first incident occurred when he tried to get away on foot as cops approached the car.
Police allegedly attempted to arrest him, which led to a second altercation, according to them.
According to authorities, Mr. Nichols later reported having trouble breathing and was brought to the hospital, where his condition was rated as serious. On January 10, officials stated that Mr. Nichols had “succumbed to his injuries,” but they gave no other information. The reason of death has not yet been given in full.
Independent Writer. Marketing and communications strategist for politicians, artists, public figures & corporate brands for more than 10 years. Contact: @alejandrosbasso (Twitter)
Escritor independiente. Consultor en marketing y comunicaciones de políticos, artistas, figuras públicas y marcas por más de 10 años. Contacto: @alejandrosbasso (Twitter)