Three former Memphis police officers have been convicted of witness tampering in connection with the beating death of black man Tyre Nichols, but were acquitted of more serious charges that could have led to life in prison. The officers, Demetrius Haley, Tadarrius Bean, and Justin Smith, still face a potential murder trial in Tennessee state court.
The death of Mr. Nichols, a skateboarder and father, sparked outrage and calls for police reform after video footage showed officers brutally assaulting him while he cried out for his mother. Two other officers had already pleaded guilty to federal charges and testified against their former colleagues.
The guilty verdicts send a message that law enforcement officers who commit crimes will be held accountable. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Mr. Nichols’ family, continues to seek justice in both the criminal and civil cases. The video of Mr. Nichols’ death has reignited conversations about racism and police brutality in the United States.