Three former Memphis police officers were convicted on Thursday of witness tampering in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols in 2023, while two were acquitted of federal civil rights violations related to the case that ignited national protests and demands for police reform.
After approximately six hours of deliberation, jurors delivered a mixed verdict for Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith. All three were found guilty of at least one charge, but Bean and Smith were acquitted of civil rights violations. Haley was acquitted of the more serious charge of violating Nichols’ civil rights leading to death but was convicted of the lesser offense of causing bodily injury.
The courtroom was silent as the verdicts were announced. The judge ordered the officers taken into custody but scheduled a hearing for Monday to consider requests from their defense attorneys for release pending sentencing. The witness tampering charges carry potential sentences of up to 20 years.
Rodney Wells, Nichols’ stepfather, expressed relief outside the courtroom, stating, “A win is a win. They’re all going to jail.”
Five officers faced charges in connection with Nichols’ death, but two had already pleaded guilty and testified against their former colleagues, undermining any defense strategy that relied on solidarity. Jurors were shown graphic footage from police body cameras, depicting the officers as they punched and kicked Nichols, who was calling for his mother just steps from his home.
Prosecutors argued that Nichols was brutally beaten for fleeing a traffic stop, framing it as a part of a troubling police practice referred to as a “street tax” or “run tax.” They accused the officers of lying to supervisors, medical professionals, and in their reports about the extent of the force used.
Nichols, who was Black, attempted to flee despite being hit with pepper spray and a Taser. All five officers involved, who have since been fired, are also Black.
Emotional testimony came from Officer Desmond Mills, who accepted a plea deal that could result in a sentence of up to 15 years. He tearfully expressed remorse for his actions, stating he left Nichols’ young son fatherless and regretted not intervening during the beating. Mills later admitted to participating in a cover-up, hoping that Nichols would survive and the incident would “blow over.”
Nichols died on January 10, 2023, three days after the assault, leaving behind a 7-year-old son.
Emmitt Martin, another officer who reached a plea deal, described Nichols as “helpless” during the beating and noted that the officers believed they could count on each other to remain silent about the incident. Prosecutors will recommend a sentence of up to 40 years for him.
Defense attorneys raised questions about the officers’ training and pointed to Martin, who acknowledged his role in the assault, as a principal aggressor. The police footage shows the officers lingering and conversing as Nichols struggled with his injuries. An autopsy revealed he died from blunt force trauma, with significant brain injuries and various cuts and bruises.
All five officers are also facing second-degree murder charges in state court, where they have pleaded not guilty, though Mills and Martin are expected to change their pleas. A trial date in state court has yet to be scheduled.
