Memphis officers found guilty in Tyre Nichols’ death
After a nearly monthlong trial, a jury found three Memphis police officers guilty on counts related to the killing of Tyre Nichols.
Three Memphis police officers were found guilty on charges related to Tyre Nichols’s beating death.
After the verdict was given Thursday evening, many members of the Memphis community shared their thoughts and condolences with Nichols’ family on social media.
Here are some of the responses.
What were the verdicts in the Tyre Nichols trial?
The jury found Demetrius Haley guilty of using excessive force, being deliberately indifferent to Nichols’ medical needs, conspiring to witness tamper and witness tampering. While Haley was found guilty on all counts, the jury found that on the first two counts ― using excessive force and being deliberately indifferent to Nichols’ medical needs ― it resulted in injury, not death, and convicted him on lesser charges.
Tadarrius Bean and Justin Smith Jr. were found guilty of witness tampering.
Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills Jr. took plea deals ahead of the trial — pleading guilty to using excessive force and conspiring to witness tamper.
All three officers will have their sentencing hearing on Jan. 22.
Reactions to verdict in Tyre Nichols trial
“We commend the diligent work of the US attorney’s office,” District Attorney Steve Mulroy’s statement read. “The public deserves to know that those who enforce the law are not above the law: if they use excessive force they’ll be held accountable.”
“Today, justice has prevailed for Tyre Nichols and his family,” wrote attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci. “The guilty verdicts reached today send a powerful message that law enforcement officers who commit crimes will be hold accountable under the law.”
Former Shelby County Commissioner Tami Sawyer wrote, “Justice was interesting today, but Tyre Nichols’ parents stood strong since the day he was beaten to death.”
Congressman Steve Cohen released a statement saying, “I am pleased that the jury found the officers guilty but was surprised that they weren’t found guilty of the charges that resulted in Tyre Nichols’ death.”