Mon Sep 09 15:14:54 UTC 2024: ## Memphis Police Officers Face Federal Trial in Tyre Nichols’ Death

**MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)** – Jury selection is set to begin Monday in the federal trial of three former Memphis police officers charged with violating the civil rights of Tyre Nichols. The 29-year-old Black man died in January 2023 after a brutal beating by officers, which was captured on police body cameras and sparked national protests and calls for police reform.

Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith are accused of depriving Nichols of his rights through excessive force and failing to intervene, as well as obstructing justice by attempting to tamper with witnesses.

The trial, expected to last three to four weeks, will draw media attention from across the country. Nichols’ family is expected to be present in court.

The incident began with a traffic stop in January 2023. Nichols ran from police after being pulled from his car, and officers caught up with him, beating him severely in a Memphis neighborhood. Video footage released later showed the five officers kicking, punching, and striking Nichols with a police baton as he cried out for his mother. The officers were seen standing around and talking as Nichols lay injured on the ground.

Despite the officers initially claiming that Nichols was pulled over for reckless driving, Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis stated that no evidence supported this claim.

Nichols died three days after the incident, on January 10, 2023. An autopsy report revealed that his death was a homicide, caused by blows to the head. The report also documented brain injuries, cuts, and bruises on his head and other parts of his body.

Following Nichols’ death, all five officers involved were fired for violating Memphis Police Department policies. They had been members of a specialized unit called Scorpion, which was disbanded after the incident.

The officers were initially charged with second-degree murder in state court, where they pleaded not guilty. Subsequently, a federal grand jury indicted them in September 2023.

Two of the officers, Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills Jr., have pleaded guilty in federal court and may testify in the upcoming trial. A trial date in state court has yet to be set.

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