Officials in Memphis say eight additional police officers may be disciplined in the police department’s internal investigation into the death of Tyree Nichols.
Memphis City Attorney Jennifer Sink said during Tuesday’s City Council meeting that eight additional officers will receive statements of charges by the end of the week. Sink says the total number of officers being prosecuted in the city now stands at 13, which comes after a Jan. 7 traffic stop that sent Tyre Nichols to a local hospital, where he was treated for multiple injuries. Died days later.
Sink says that the officers will be heard after which a disciplinary decision will be taken.
During the traffic stop, police say a “collision occurred,” resulting in Nichols attempting to flee from officers.
Tyree Nichols’ death: Memphis police officer who allegedly used Taser ‘charged by department’
This photo provided by the Nichols family shows Tyre Nichols, who loved photography and was described by friends as happy and sweet. Nichols was just minutes from his home in Memphis, Tenn., on Jan. 7, 2023, when he was pulled over and fatally shot by police. Five Memphis police officers have since been charged with second-degree murder and other crimes. (Courtesy of Nichols Family via AP)
As officers apprehended Nichols, authorities say another confrontation occurred, causing the man to complain of difficulty breathing.
“While attempting to take the suspect into custody, another confrontation occurred; however, the suspect was eventually apprehended,” MPD said. “The suspect then complained of difficulty breathing, prompting an ambulance to be called to the scene.”
Nichols was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Memphis and was described in critical condition, but died on January 10.
Tyre Nichols death: Memphis police to release more audio and video from traffic stop
Memphis Police Department officers Demetrius Haley, Tadarius Bean, Emmett Martin III, Desmond Mills and Justin Smith were fired for their roles in the Jan. 18 arrest of slain Tyr Nichols. (Memphis Police Department)
During the traffic stop he can be heard saying “I didn’t do anything” before he was pulled from the car by officers.
“Watch out, I’ll stick you out,” says an officer.
In body camera video released by Memphis authorities, officers are seen repeatedly punching, kicking and hitting Nichols.
Five former Memphis police officers were and are being fired following the incident. Accused of Second-degree murder, aggravated assault and other charges.
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“Elite” policing units such as the former SCORPION team in Memphis, Tennessee have been criticized following the public backlash over the beating of Tyr Nichols. (City of Memphis via AP, File)
Another officer, Preston Hemphill, was fired as a result of the incident, but has not been charged criminally.
Fox News’ Michael Ruiz contributed to this report.
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