On May 7, 2025, a Tennessee jury acquitted three former Memphis police officers—Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith—of all state charges, including second-degree murder, related to the 2023 death of Tyre Nichols. The verdict followed two days of deliberations after a nine-day trial.
Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, died three days after a traffic stop where he was beaten by five officers. Video footage showed the officers, all of whom are Black, punching, kicking, and using a baton on Nichols while he was restrained.
Despite the state acquittals, the three officers were previously convicted in federal court on charges related to witness tampering. Haley was also found guilty of violating Nichols’ civil rights and other related offenses. They await sentencing in the federal case.
Two other officers involved, Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills Jr., pleaded guilty to both state and federal charges and are also awaiting sentencing.
The incident led to widespread protests and renewed calls for police reform. A December 2024 U.S. Department of Justice report concluded that the Memphis Police Department routinely used excessive force and engaged in racial discrimination.
Nichols’ family has filed a $550 million civil lawsuit against the city of Memphis and the officers involved.
