Internewscast Journal
  • Home
  • US News
  • Local News
  • Health
  • People
  • Guest Post
  • Support Our Cause
Internewscast Journal
  • Home
  • US News
  • Local News
  • Health
  • People
  • Guest Post
  • Support Our Cause
Home Local news What to Understand About the Tragic Death of Tyre Nichols
  • Local news

What to Understand About the Tragic Death of Tyre Nichols

    Things to know about the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols
    Up next
    Disturbing new detail from Hudson River helicopter crash
    Alarming New Revelation from Hudson River Helicopter Incident
    Published on 08 May 2025
    Author
    Internewscast
    Tags
    • about,
    • beating,
    • ethnicity,
    • Fatal,
    • James Jones Jr.,
    • Justin smith,
    • know,
    • Nichols,
    • race,
    • rodney wells,
    • Steve Mulroy,
    • The,
    • things,
    • Tyre,
    • tyre nichols,
    • U.S. news
    Share this @internewscast.com
    FacebookXRedditPinterest

    MEMPHIS, Tenn. – On Wednesday, three former Memphis police officers were acquitted of state charges in connection with the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols. This verdict marks another significant step in a case that has stirred calls for police reforms and remains a focus for his family’s pursuit of justice over two years since the 29-year-old Black man lost his life.

    A jury from an out-of-town, predominantly white county deliberated for roughly 8 1/2 hours over two days. They found Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith not guilty in a nine-day trial, held in Memphis—a city with a majority Black population.

    In January 2023, Nichols attempted to flee a chaotic traffic stop after being forcibly removed from his vehicle, pepper-sprayed, and hit with a Taser. Five Black officers eventually caught up with him, using punches, kicks, and a police baton. Despite his cries for his mother from just steps away from his home, Nichols was eventually handcuffed. He succumbed to his injuries three days following the incident.

    Video captured by officers’ body cameras and a police pole camera showed the officers milling about, talking and laughing as Nichols struggled with his injuries.

    The ex-officers were acquitted of second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression. They still face the prospect of years in prison after they were convicted of federal charges in October, even though they also were acquitted of the most serious charges there.

    Two other former officers previously pleaded guilty in both state and federal court, including Emmitt Martin, whom defense attorneys blamed for most of the violence.

    The state trial jury was chosen in Hamilton County, which includes Chattanooga, after Judge James Jones Jr. ordered the case be heard outside of Shelby County, which includes Memphis. Defense lawyers had argued that intense publicity made seating a fair jury difficult.

    In December, the U.S. Justice Department said a 17-month investigation showed the Memphis Police Department uses excessive force and discriminates against Black people.

    Who was Tyre Nichols?

    Tyre Nichols was originally from California, but he moved to Memphis to live with his mother, RowVaughn Wells, and his stepfather Rodney Wells.

    Nichols worked with his stepdad at Memphis-based FedEx. Tall and slim, Nichols liked photography and skateboarding. He was on his way home to enjoy a sesame chicken dinner prepared by his mother when he was pulled over in his car by three members of the Memphis Police Department’s Scorpion Unit.

    The unit targeted drugs, illegal guns and violent offenders to amass arrests, while sometimes using force against unarmed people. It was disbanded shortly after Nichols’ death.

    A chaotic traffic stop

    According to trial testimony, officers saw Nichols speeding and tried to stop him. Nichols did not pull over for about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers), making it a “high risk” stop in their eyes. He eventually stopped at a red light in a left-turn lane.

    Haley and Martin pounced quickly, yanking Nichols out of the car and pulling him to the ground while giving him expletive-filled orders to comply. Nichols told the officers that he didn’t do anything, that he just wanted to go home, and that they were “doing a lot right now.”

    At one point, Martin said “let go of my gun,” but there was no evidence Nichols actually went for the weapon. Pepper spray was deployed, and the officers were hit. Nichols managed to get away and was shot with a Taser as he ran towards his house.

    Tackled, pummeled and left to struggle with his injuries

    Bean tackled Nichols from behind. As he and Smith grappled with Nichols, Mills arrived and used more pepper spray. Mills, angry that he sprayed himself, testified that he hit Nichols three times in the arm with a police baton.

    Martin kicked and punched Nichols multiple times in the head. Haley kicked Nichols once before he was handcuffed.

    Nichols was kept on the ground, seated against a police car. Nichols was left to struggle with his injuries with little or no medical care for 19 minutes before he was taken to a hospital.

    Nichols died three days later of blunt force trauma to the head. A medical examiner said Nichols had tears and bleeding in the brain.

    Prosecutors claim excessive force

    Prosecutors argued that the officers used excessive, deadly force in trying to handcuff Nichols and were criminally responsible for each others’ actions.

    The officers also had a duty to intervene and stop the beating and tell medical personnel that Nichols had been struck in the head, but they failed to do so, prosecutors said.

    Prosecutors relied heavily on the graphic video of the beating to make their case. Jurors were repeatedly shown the video during the trial.

    As the officers stood around talking about the beating, Bean said Nichols had been “eating” the blows and Smith said they hit Nichols with “so many pieces,” or punches.

    Haley took a cellphone photo of a severely-injured Nichols and shared it 11 times.

    Defense witnesses, arguments sway the jury

    Defense attorneys emphasized that it was Martin, not their clients, who kicked and punched Nichols several times in the head. The actions of Bean, Haley and Smith were only meant to get handcuffs on Nichols, they argued.

    The defense also seemed to score points with its use-of-force experts, who testified that the officers acted in compliance with police department policies and widely accepted law enforcement standards. Attorneys for Bean and Smith called character witnesses who testified that the men did their job with skill, compassion and honor.

    Defense attorneys noted in closing arguments that credit and debit cards that did not belong to Nichols were found in his car and said that was likely why Nichols ran from the traffic stop. The lawyers have argued that the beating would not have happened if Nichols had allowed himself to be handcuffed.

    The jury could have convicted the officers on lesser charges including reckless homicide. Right after the verdicts were read, the officers hugged each other and their lawyers.

    What’s next for Nichols’ family?

    Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said he spoke to Nichols’ family and said, “They were devastated. … I think they were outraged.”

    Nichols’ family will still see a measure of justice. All five officers face extended time in federal prison, where there is no parole. Mills and Martin also will receive punishment after their guilty pleas in state court, though it may coincide with the length of their federal prison terms.

    Meanwhile, the five officers, the city of Memphis and the police chief a re being sued by Nichols’ family for $550 million. A trial has been scheduled for the summer of 2026.

    Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

    Share this @internewscast.com
    FacebookXRedditPinterest
    You May Also Like
    Texas flooding: Around 70 wildlife critters rescued after storms
    • Local news

    Texas Floods: Approximately 70 Wild Animals Saved Following Storms

    AUSTIN (KXAN)– Austin Wildlife Rescue said it has rescued around 70 animals…
    • Internewscast
    • July 7, 2025
    What did Trump know about Israel's strike on Iran before it happened?
    • Local news

    Trump and Netanyahu to Discuss Gaza Ceasefire at White House Meeting

    () President Donald Trump will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu…
    • Internewscast
    • July 7, 2025
    'Ghost guns' potentially coming back despite ruling: Reports
    • Local news

    Reports Suggest ‘Ghost Guns’ May Resurface Despite Recent Ruling

    () “Ghost guns” could potentially become a thorn in the side of…
    • Internewscast
    • July 8, 2025
    Bill O'Reilly says Iranian mullahs in 'shaky land'
    • Local news

    Bill O’Reilly: Democrats’ Intense Anti-Trump Messaging Shows ‘Desperation’

    () Bill O’Reilly believes Democrats criticizing President Trump following the deaths of…
    • Internewscast
    • July 8, 2025
    Chuck's Arcade
    • Local news

    Chuck E. Cheese Launches Adult-Friendly Arcades in 8 States

    (NEXSTAR) – Too old to throw your next birthday party at a…
    • Internewscast
    • July 7, 2025
    Tesla investors aren't excited about Elon Musk's new political party
    • Local news

    Tesla Investors Unfazed by Elon Musk’s New Political Party Announcement

    () Elon Musk says he’s starting a new political party, but Tesla…
    • Internewscast
    • July 7, 2025
    Gordon Jago, legendary head coach of the Tampa Bay Rowdies, dies at 92
    • Local news

    Legendary Tampa Bay Rowdies Head Coach, Gordon Jago, Passes Away at 92

    TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A legendary figure in the soccer community, and…
    • Internewscast
    • July 8, 2025
    Trump order calls for national park fee hikes for some: What to know
    • Local news

    Trump’s Directive Proposes Increased Fees for Certain National Parks: Key Details Explained

    (NEXSTAR) Just weeks after the Department of the Interior’s budget proposal for…
    • Internewscast
    • July 7, 2025
    Minnesota state senator wounded in deadly political shootings is out of intensive care
    • Local news

    Minnesota State Senator Injured in Fatal Political Shootings Leaves Intensive Care

    The Minnesota state senator, who, alongside his wife, was one of the…
    • Internewscast
    • July 8, 2025
    Medicaid cuts could define midterms
    • Local news

    Medicaid Reductions May Shape Midterm Elections

    Medicaid is set to become a key issue in the battle over…
    • Internewscast
    • July 7, 2025
    NFL player from Danville hosts girls football camp
    • Local news

    Danville Athlete Hosts Football Camp for Girls

    Danville, Ill. (WCIA) — Trent Sherfield, the wide receiver for the Denver…
    • Internewscast
    • July 7, 2025
    Augusta Tech, Columbia County Fire Rescue launch degree program for firefighters
    • Local news

    Augusta Tech and Columbia County Fire Rescue Introduce New Firefighter Degree Program

    COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. () – Augusta Technical College has teamed up with…
    • Internewscast
    • July 8, 2025
    Telvin Smith arrested for aggravated assault against landscaper
    • US

    Former NFL Player Telvin Smith Charged with Aggravated Assault on Landscaper

    Smith, who played for the Jaguars from 2014 to 2018, has had…
    • Internewscast
    • July 8, 2025
    Belgium's King Albert, 91, undergoes cancer treatment for sixth time
    • US

    King Albert of Belgium, 91, Receives Cancer Treatment for the Sixth Time

    King Albert II of Belgium has kickstarted cancer treatment for the sixth…
    • Internewscast
    • July 8, 2025
    Father dead after refusing to give up 'babies' during Texas flood
    • News

    Texas Flood Claims Life of Father Who Refused to Abandon Pets

    A father tragically lost his life in the Texas floods as he…
    • Internewscast
    • July 8, 2025
    Man catching baby dropped from window.
    • US

    Heroic Caretaker Bravely Rescues Four Babies from 6th-Floor Fire in Paris, Balancing on Thin Ledge

    THIS is the dramatic moment a hero caretaker rescues four babies from…
    • Internewscast
    • July 8, 2025
    Internewscast Journal
    • Home
    • Privacy Policy
    • DMCA Notice
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Guest Post
    • Support Our Cause
    Copyright 2023. All Right Reserverd.