Following a nearly four-week trial, a federal jury in Memphis, Tennessee, has convicted three former Memphis Police Department (MPD) officers of federal felonies connected to the death of Tyre Nichols on January 7, 2023.
"All three former Memphis Police Department officers were convicted of federal felonies for their role in Tyre Nichols’ death," stated Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. She added that these convictions join those of two other former officers who had previously pled guilty. Clarke expressed hope that this prosecution provides some comfort to Nichols' family and praised the trial team and jury for their dedication.
Acting U.S. Attorney Reagan Fondren for the Western District of Tennessee emphasized the principle that law enforcement must adhere to the same rules as citizens. He commended the trial team for their thorough investigation over 21 months and thanked the jury for their service. "The defendants have been found guilty of serious federal felonies and face significant penalties for those actions," Fondren remarked.
Former MPD Officer Demetrius Haley was found guilty of depriving Nichols of his constitutional rights through unreasonable force and failing to intervene against co-defendants Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills Jr., resulting in bodily injury to Nichols. The jury also convicted Haley of conspiracy to commit witness tampering.
Additionally, Haley, along with former officers Tadarrius Bean and Justin Smith, was convicted of attempting to cover up excessive force used against Nichols by providing false information to superiors tasked with documenting the incident.
Evidence presented at trial showed that on January 7, 2023, Haley assaulted Nichols following a traffic stop initiated by Martin. As events unfolded, several officers engaged in physical violence against Nichols, who later died from injuries sustained during these interactions. Medical personnel testified about potential lifesaving measures had they been informed accurately about Nichols' injuries.
The jury concluded that Haley's actions violated MPD policy regarding use of force and provision of medical care. Sentencing dates are set for January 2025; Haley could face up to 10 years in prison for civil rights violations and an additional 20 years for witness tampering charges. Bean and Smith each face up to 20 years for witness tampering.
Martin and Mills had earlier pleaded guilty to federal charges related to excessive force use and conspiracy to conceal unlawful conduct leading to Nichols' death. Their sentencing hearings are scheduled separately.
The FBI Nashville Field Office led the investigation with support from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Prosecutors from both the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorneys' Office handled the case proceedings.
