Three former Memphis police officers were convicted Thursday on witness tampering charges in the 2023 fatal beating of Tyre Nichols, though two were acquitted of federal civil rights violations. The incident, which led to national protests and calls for police reform, saw the jury deliberate for about six hours before delivering a mixed verdict for Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith.
All three officers were convicted of at least one charge. Haley, however, was acquitted of violating Nichols’ civil rights causing death but convicted of a lesser charge of violating his civil rights causing bodily injury. Bean and Smith were acquitted of all civil rights charges. As the verdicts were read, the courtroom remained silent, and the judge ordered the officers into custody pending a Monday hearing to decide whether they would remain in custody until sentencing. The witness tampering charges carry a possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
The trial involved five officers charged in connection with Nichols’ death, but two, Emmitt Martin and Desmond Mills, pleaded guilty and testified for the prosecution. During the trial, jurors were shown graphic footage of the officers beating Nichols with punches, kicks, and a baton, while the 29-year-old called out for his mother, just steps away from his home.
Prosecutors argued that the officers attacked Nichols after he fled from a traffic stop, calling it part of a police practice referred to as a “street tax” or “run tax.” They also accused the officers of lying about the extent of force used in their reports and to medical professionals on the scene.
Desmond Mills, one of the officers who took a plea deal, delivered some of the most emotional testimony. He tearfully expressed regret over the beating, saying he wished he had stopped the assault and acknowledging that Nichols’ young son was now fatherless. Mills admitted to participating in the cover-up, hoping the situation would “blow over” if Nichols survived. Nichols passed away three days later, on January 10, 2023.
Martin, the other officer who testified under a plea agreement, told the jury that Nichols was “helpless” as he was beaten and that the officers had an understanding not to report each other. Prosecutors are expected to recommend up to 40 years in prison for Martin and up to 15 years for Mills.
The defense attorneys attempted to shift blame onto Martin as the primary aggressor and questioned whether the officers were properly trained. However, the video evidence showed the officers lingering around after the attack, while Nichols lay struggling with his injuries. The autopsy report confirmed that he died from head injuries.
In addition to the federal charges, all five former officers face second-degree murder charges in state court, where they have pleaded not guilty. Mills and Martin are expected to change their pleas, though a trial date has not yet been set.
