Three Former Memphis Police Officers Acquitted in State Trial Over Tyre Nichols’ Death
On May 7, 2025, a Tennessee jury acquitted three former Memphis police officers—Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith—of all state charges, including second-degree murder, in the 2023 fatal beating of Tyre Nichols. Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, died three days after a violent encounter with police following a traffic stop.
Background of the Incident
The incident occurred on January 7, 2023, when Nichols was pulled over by members of the Memphis Police Department’s SCORPION unit. Officers forcibly removed him from his vehicle, deployed pepper spray and a Taser, and pursued him on foot after he fled. Upon catching up to Nichols near his mother’s home, the officers punched, kicked, and struck him with a baton while he was restrained. Body-camera and surveillance footage captured the assault, which lasted several minutes. Nichols was hospitalized in critical condition and died on January 10, 2023.
Legal Proceedings and Verdict
The three officers faced multiple state charges, including second-degree murder, aggravated assault, and aggravated kidnapping. After a nine-day trial and approximately eight and a half hours of jury deliberation over two days, all three were found not guilty on all counts. The verdict prompted emotional reactions in the courtroom, with the defendants embracing their attorneys.
Federal Charges and Convictions
Despite their acquittal in state court, the officers were previously convicted on federal charges related to the incident. In October 2024, Haley was found guilty of violating Nichols’s civil rights and obstruction, while Bean and Smith were convicted of obstruction of justice. Two other officers involved, Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills Jr., pleaded guilty to federal charges and await sentencing.
Community Response and Calls for Reform
The acquittals have reignited national conversations about police accountability and systemic reform. Civil rights leaders, including NAACP President Derrick Johnson and Rev. Al Sharpton, expressed outrage over the verdicts, emphasizing the need for comprehensive federal legislation to address police misconduct. They highlighted the stalled George Floyd Justice in Policing Act as a critical step toward meaningful change.
Civil Rights attorney Ben Crump also shared his disappointment in the verdict.
Ongoing Civil Litigation
Nichols’s family has filed a $550 million civil lawsuit against the city of Memphis and the officers involved, alleging wrongful death and civil rights violations. The lawsuit remains pending, and a federal civil rights trial is forthcoming.
Legacy of Tyre Nichols
Tyre Nichols is remembered as a compassionate individual with a passion for photography and skateboarding. Originally from Sacramento, California, he moved to Memphis before the COVID-19 pandemic and formed a close bond with his mother and community. His death has left a lasting impact, prompting widespread protests and calls for justice.
