Brandon Dill for The Washington Post via Getty Images
Five former Memphis police officers have been charged with second-degree murder in the death of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols. According to CBS News, the announcement was made by Tennessee authorities on Thursday.
According to Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy, charges were handed to all five officers involved in the deadly arrest of Nichols. The officers are named Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills, Jr., Emmitt Martin III, and Justin Smith. And the charges include “second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct, and official oppression,” as reported by the outlet.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director David Rausch shared his sentiments about the police officer’s actions during the announcement press conference.
In a word, it’s absolutely appalling. Let me be clear, what happened here does not at all reflect proper policing. This was wrong. This was criminal.
Mulroy added that all five officers each played a separate role in the death of 29-year-old Nichols.
They are all responsible.
Body cam footage and fixed camera footage of the deadly arrest are expected to be released “Friday sometime after 6 p.m.,” as reported by CBS News. As The Shade Room previously reported, the footage has been shown to Nichols’ family.
Memphis Police Director Cerelyn “CJ” Davis has asked residents to “protest peacefully” once the footage goes public.
This is not just a professional failing. This is a failing of basic humanity toward another individual.
However, Memphis authorities are gearing up for an extensive backlash and protests. And have even informed police departments around the country to prepare for the same.
According to the outlet, Nichols was returning home from taking photos of the sunset. His legal team alleges that the officers beat the 29-year-old for three minutes, reminiscent of the 1991 beating of Rodney King. Nichols, a 29-year-old FedEx worker, and father — was allegedly “shocked, pepper-sprayed, and restrained” during the traffic stop and arrest.
