Federal Charges Filed Against Former Memphis Police Detectives in Tyre Nichols Case
A federal grand jury in Memphis, Tennessee, has issued an indictment charging five former Memphis Police Department (MPD) detectives with federal civil rights, conspiracy, and obstruction offenses related to the death of Tyre Nichols on January 7.
Government Officials’ Statements
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland expressed concern over the incident, highlighting the brutality inflicted on Tyre Nichols, which included kicks, punches, tasering, and pepper spraying. He emphasized that officers who violate the civil rights of those they are sworn to protect undermine public safety and dishonor fellow officers who uphold their duty with integrity.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division lamented the tragic loss of Tyre Nichols, stating that these federal charges demonstrate the Justice Department’s commitment to protecting the constitutional and civil rights of all Americans.
U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee reaffirmed the commitment to achieving justice for Tyre Nichols and commended the dedicated team working on the case.
Indictment Details
The indictment, consisting of four counts, implicates all five defendants—Emmitt Martin III, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills Jr., and Justin Smith. These former MPD detectives, while part of an MPD SCORPION team, are accused of willfully depriving Tyre Nichols of his constitutional rights.
- Count one alleges that the defendants violated Nichols’ right to be free from unreasonable force by assaulting him and failing to intervene in the assault, resulting in bodily injury and death.
- Count two asserts that the defendants violated Nichols’ right to receive medical aid for his serious medical needs by deliberately disregarding his condition, again causing bodily injury and death.
- Count three alleges that the defendants conspired to cover up their use of unlawful force by omitting material information and providing false and misleading information to their supervisor and others.
- Count four charges the defendants with obstruction by intentionally omitting material information and providing false and misleading information in reports about Nichols’ arrest.
Penalties
Counts one and two carry a maximum penalty of life in prison, while counts three and four each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Separation from Other Investigations
These federal charges are distinct from the Justice Department’s civil pattern or practice investigation into the MPD, which is a separate and independent civil investigation. Additionally, these federal charges are different from the charges brought by the State of Tennessee against the former officers in connection with Nichols’ death.
FBI Investigation and Prosecution Team
The FBI Memphis Field Office conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Pritchard and Elizabeth Rogers, along with Special Litigation Counsel Kathryn E. Gilbert and Deputy Chief Forrest Christian from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, are prosecuting the case.
Presumption of Innocence
It is essential to remember that an indictment represents an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.