Posted on by Randy Slovacek

5 Memphis Police Officers Charged In Beating Death Of Tyre Nichols

Five Memphis police officers fired last week in connection with the beating death of a 29-year-old Black man were arrested and  charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault and kidnapping.
L-R Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills, Jr., Emmitt Martin III, Justin Smith and Tadarrius Bean. (photos: Memphis Police)

The 5 Memphis police officers who were fired last week in connection with the beating death of a 29-year-old Black man were arrested on Thursday. All were  charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault and kidnapping.

From the Washington Post:

The detention center’s website said Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills, Jr., Emmitt Martin III, Justin Smith and Tadarrius Bean were booked into custody as of midday. Each is being investigated in connection with the Jan. 10 death of Tyre Nichols, who died after being severely beaten following a traffic stop on Jan. 7.

The former officers each are charged with second degree murder, “aggravated assault — acting in concert,” two counts of aggravated kidnapping, two counts of official misconduct, and one count of official oppression, the website says.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice are conducting their own investigations into the incident.

A Memphis Police spokesman says Nichols was pulled over for alleged reckless driving but fled on foot before officers caught up to him and took him into custody.

Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis issued a video statement regarding “the horrific circumstances” of Nichols’ death. She called it a professional failing and said “the incident was heinous, reckless and inhumane.”

Members of Nichol’s family were allowed to view body-camera video of the arrest on Monday. They say Nichols was punched, kicked and Tasered for three minutes just a short distance from his home.

The family also shared that, due to Crohns disease, Tyre struggled to maintain body weight usually averaging about 145 pounds.

According to their booking info, all five of the police officers charged weigh over 200 pounds. Two of the police officers, Mills and Martin, played college football. But it took all five of them and all that violence to take Nichols into custody?

Related: Former Police Officers Found Guilty Of Violating George Floyd’s Civil Rights

Memphis authorities say the body-cam footage will be released to the public soon.

Read the full report here.