Officers indicted: Five former Memphis police officers involved in the arrest of Tyre Nichols, who died following a traffic stop, are facing murder charges, according to Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy.
Video to be released Friday: The city of Memphis plans to release video of Nichols’ arrest sometime after 6 p.m. local time (7 p.m. ET) Friday, Mulroy said.
About the case: Nichols died three days after he was pulled over for alleged reckless driving on Jan. 7. Memphis police and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation have been investigating the use of force in Nichols’ arrest.
Our live coverage has ended. Follow the latest news here or read through the updates below.
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Attorney Ben Crump says video of Tyre Nichols stop will "remind you of Rodney King in many regards"
From CNN’s Rebekah Riess.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump speaks at a news conference with the family of Tyre Nichols in Memphis on Monday.
(Gerald Herbert/AP)
Attorney Ben Crump, who represents Tyre Nichols’ family, told CNN’s Allison Camerota Thursday the video of the events leading to Nichols’ death will “remind you of Rodney King in many regards.”
King, a Black motorist, was beaten by Los Angeles Police Department officers in a 1991 incident that was captured on video, triggering riots a year later after four White officers were acquitted of assault.
The city of Memphis plans to release video of Nichols’ arrest sometime after 6 p.m. local time (7 p.m. ET) Friday, according to Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy.
The attorney noted that at the end of the video Nichols’ can be heard calling for his mother three times before falling silent.
“That’s what’s so painful, because you want some ounce of humanity. Somebody to say, ‘hey, we’ve got to try to help him — and it never occurs and that’s what’s so troubling about the video,” the attorney said.
Crump said when the video is released on Friday, it will “evoke strong emotions, very strong emotions,” reiterating the Nichols’ family has asked that anyone protesting do so peacefully.
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In photos: Memphis holds candlelight vigil for Tyre Nichols
The family of Tyre Nichols and members of the Memphis community attended a candlelight prayer vigil at the city’s Tobey Skatepark on Thursday to celebrate the 29-year-old’s life.
Tyre Nichols' mother is seen at a candlelight vigil in memory of him at Tobey Skatepark in Memphis on Thursday, January 26, 2023.
(Ariel Cobbert for CNN)
Memphis community members and local organizers gather for a candlelight vigil in memory of Tyre Nichols at Tobey Skatepark in Memphis on Thursday, January 26, 2023.
(Ariel Cobbert for CNN)
Andre E. Johnson leads a prayer at the candlelight vigil.
(Ariel Cobbert for CNN)
Local skaters ride at the candlelight vigil at Tobey Skatepark.
(Ariel Cobbert for CNN)
Signs and candles are seen at Tobey Skatepark.
(Ariel Cobbert for CNN)
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Memphis school district cancels Friday after-school activities ahead of video release
From CNN’s Jamiel Lynch
All after-school activities and events are canceled on Friday, Memphis Shelby County Schools said in a Twitter post.
The district is also postponing its 2023 School Choice Showcase which was scheduled for Saturday,.
The district plans to announce any further cancellations for Saturday activities by Friday evening.
The city of Memphis plans to release video of Nichols’ arrest sometime after 6 p.m. local time (7 p.m. ET) Friday, according to Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy.
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Tyre Nichols' mother calls for peaceful protests after footage is released Friday
From CNN's Sharif Paget and Tina Burnside
RowVaughn Wells. Tyre Nichols' mother, speaks during a vigil on Thursday.
(CNN)
RowVaughn Wells, the mother of Tyre Nichols, asked for people to protest peacefully after footage showing her son’s arrest is released Friday evening.
The city of Memphis plans to release video of Nichols’ arrest sometime after 6 p.m. local time (7 p.m. ET) Friday, according to Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy.
Correction: A previous version of this post misspelled RowVaughn Wells’ first name.
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Law enforcement across cities nationwide are on edge ahead of video release
from Whitney Wild, Geneva Sand and Ryan Young
Mounted Memphis Police Department officers are seennext to the Shelby County Criminal Justice Center in Memphis, Tennessee, on Thursday, January 26.
Police departments across the country told CNN they are either monitoring the events in Memphis, Tennessee, closely or already have plans in place in case of large-scale protests or unrest relating to the case of Tyre Nichols.
In preparation, the Atlanta Police Department has moved to 12-hour shifts and canceled days off.
The Los Angeles Police Department is “closely monitoring what is going on in the county and is prepared for any situation that might arise,” said Tony Im, a LAPD spokesperson.
In Seattle, Det. Judinna Gulpan said the police department “is planning, preparing, and staffing to provide public safety throughout the city should police resources be needed.”
The Denver Police Department said it “is monitoring for any potential demonstration activity in Denver, and will adjust resources if or as needed.”
The Oakland Police Department in California said it’s unaware of any planned protests or marches, but is monitoring the situation.
The New York Police Department said it’s prepared for any potential unrest.
The Dallas Police Department told CNN their leadership has been in contact with community and faith-based leaders to prepare for potential protests and vigils.
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Nichols’ family attorneys urge DOJ to investigate use of "saturation unit policing" by cities
From CNN’s Jamiel Lynch
In an open letter, the attorneys for the family of Tyre Nichols wrote that they want changes to “saturation unit” policing in wake of his death.
“Pro-active policing” or “saturation unit policing,” whether the officers are in unmarked cars wearing tactical vests or “jump-out boys” in plain clothes and undercover, is defined by several common and dangerous components, Attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci wrote.
The units are intended to flood troubled areas with officers to stem high crime, they noted.
The attorneys said the aggressive encounters, which they noted focused often on Black and brown people, can destroy trust between police and communities.
They also can “lead to physical injury or death when the culture of unchecked, pro-active policing overtakes common sense.”
At least two of the officers charged in Nichols’ death were members of the Memphis Police SCORPION (Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in our Neighborhoods) unit, according to their own attorneys.
The attorneys urged Attorney General Merrick Garland and the Department of Justice to investigate cities that use these tactics to “determine if they are effective in reducing crime and ask for all data on injuries and deaths related to ‘saturation patrols’ as well as a compilation of complaints from citizens.
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2nd former Memphis police officer released from jail after posting $250,000 bond, records show
From CNN’s Andy Rose
Justin Smith
(Shelby County Criminal Justice System)
Justin Smith, one of the five former Memphis Police officers indicted in the death of Tyre Nichols, was released on $250,000 bond Thursday night, according to Shelby County Jail records.
His release came shortly after Desmond Mills Jr., another defendant in the case, was set free after posting a $250,000 bond.
The three other indicted officers – Emmitt Martin, Tadarrius Bean and Demetrius Haley – were still in jail Thursday night.
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Family friend of indicted officer says he is “remorseful”
From CNN’s Nick Valencia and Pamela Kirkland
Bennie Cobb is a family friend of Emmitt Martin III, one of the five former officers indicted in the death of Tyre Nichols.
Bennie Cobb told CNN Martin appeared “nervous” about his future as a police officer and “remorseful” for what happened. He also recalled Martin asking for help with obtaining an attorney.
Cobb said Martin texted him “a couple of weeks ago” saying that he needed to talk. The two spoke for about two hours in-person, according to Cobb.
When the two met, he said Martin arrived looking “shaken” and “tired.” Martin came to discuss Nichols’ death and his involvement with it.
“He was really remorseful and kind of embarrassed,” said Cobb, who considers himself a mentor to Martin.
Cobb said he and Martin prayed together, which included words for the Nichols family.
The 40-year law enforcement veteran expressed he was concerned after hearing Martin’s description of what happened, especially regarding communication – or lack thereof – with dispatch as well as with his supervising officers.
Cobb said Martin told him that the officers used pepper spray, batons and a Taser. After hearing how the confrontation with Nichols proceeded, Martin said it was concerning to him.
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"It was an MMA fight, except there was only one side that was MMA." Attorney describes Nichols' arrest video
From CNN’s Andy Rose
Antonio Romanucci attorney for Tyre Nichols' family said the 29-year-old man looked "helpless" in the video.
(CNN)
The attorney for Tyre Nichols’ family has seen video of the events leading to his death and said people should be prepared for a disturbing scene.
The video is scheduled to be released sometime after 6 p.m. local time (7 p.m. ET) Friday, according to Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy.
Even after seeing the video of what happened, the family is still not clear why police stopped Nichols in the first place, Romanucci said.
Romanucci said he hopes there will be “peace in the streets” after the video is released Friday, and he says Nichols’ family was pleased with Thursday’s announcement of charges.
“Clearly, they wanted the absolute utmost charges, and I think with what we see today, they’re going to get that,” said Romanucci.
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It's 9:30 p.m. ET. Here's what we learned today about the death of Tyre Nichols
Indictments: A grand jury returned indictments against the five ex-cops involved in Tyre Nichols’ fatal traffic stop arrest. Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said the indicted officers are all responsible for Nichols’ death. Each ex-cop faces one charge of second-degree murder, one charge of aggravated assault, two charges of aggravated kidnapping, two charges of official misconduct and one charge of official oppression. One of the five who was charged was released from jail Thursday night after posting $250,000 bond. The other four former officers had not yet posted bond as of Thursday evening, records showed.
Indictment reactions: Lawyers for two of the former officers charged in Nichols’ death said they are waiting to see how the justice system plays out, emphasizing both of their clients are upset about the situation. The Nichols family attorneys said the grand jury’s decision “gives us hope as we continue to push for justice for Tyre.” The NAACP said the indictments should spur national action to curb police brutality. And Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland thanked Mulroy, the district attorney, for bringing forward the indictments. He said officials are “doing everything we can to prevent this from happening again.”
Video release: The city of Memphis will release the video of Nichols’ fatal arrest on Friday sometime after 6 p.m. local time, Mulroy said Thursday. He told CNN the video does not show the full encounter between Nichols and police. Nichols’ family on Monday met with Memphis officials and viewed video recordings of his arrest ahead of its release. The head of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said Thursday he was “sickened” by what he saw in the video. And Antonio Romanucci, attorney for Nichols’ family, told CNN Thursday people should be prepared for a disturbing scene.
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Former Memphis officer Desmond Mills Jr. released on bond
From CNN’s Andy Rose
Desmond Mills Jr
(Shelby County Criminal Justice System)
One of the five former Memphis Police officers who was charged with second-degree murder in the death of Tyre Nichols was released from jail Thursday night, according to Shelby County Jail records.
Desmond Mills Jr. posted $250,000 bond.
The other four former officers who were charged had not yet posted bond Thursday evening, records showed.
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District attorney: Video of altercation between Nichols and police does not show full encounter
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy speaks at a press on Thursday, January 26.
(Ariel Cobbert for CNN)
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said video shows police officers were already “highly charged up” from the initial interaction with Tyre Nichols and it escalated from there, adding the footage does not show the beginning of the encounter with him.
Mulroy told CNN’s Erin Burnett he is very confident “we can secure a conviction. We have a very strong case and we’re ready for the process to go forward.”
The city of Memphis plans to release video of Nichols’ arrest sometime after 6 p.m. local time (7 p.m. ET) Friday, according to the district attorney.
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Tennessee governor vows abuse of power won't be tolerated in light of Tyre Nichols' death
From CNN’s Jamiel Lynch
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee offered his sympathies to the family of Tyre Nichols and vowed that “cruel, criminal abuse of power will not be tolerated in the state.”
“The City of Memphis & the Memphis Police Department need to take a hard look at the misconduct & failure that has occurred within this unit. I discussed this with Mayor Strickland & am pleased the city is pursuing an external, impartial investigation,” it added.
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"I am sad and angry for the family of Tyre Nichols." Memphis mayor praises swift action to bring charges
Ahead of the city’s plan to release video of Tyre Nichols’ arrest, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said officials wanted to be sure Nichols’ family had a chance to privately view the footage.
“I am sad and angry for the family of Tyre Nichols. I am also angry for the many good men and women of the Memphis Police Department who devote their lives to serving our citizens,” he said in a video statement posted on Facebook on Thursday.
Video of the fatal police encounter, a mix of body-camera video and pole-cam video, is expected to be released Friday evening, he said, echoing an announcement from the Shelby County district attorney earlier Thursday.
Strickland thanked Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis for moving quickly with the “administrative procedure” resulting in the firing of the five officers involved in the traffic stop. He also thanked Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy for bringing forward the indictments.
The five former officers have each been charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, two charges of aggravated kidnapping, two charges of official misconduct and one charge of official oppression.
The mayor said officials are “doing everything we can to prevent this from happening again,” including initiating an outside, independent review of policies and training of specialized units within the Memphis Police Department.
Some context: Attorneys for two of the former officers, Desmond Mills Jr. and Emmitt Martin, confirmed that their clients were members of the Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods, or SCORPION unit. It is a specialized team focused on curbing violent crime, according to MPD.
Earlier Thursday, District Attorney Steve Mulroy said the unit was “involved” in Nichols’ arrest.
Watch the video:
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City council members say Memphis is prepared for peaceful protests and "any potential of rioting"
From CNN’s Jamiel Lynch
Memphis City Council Chairman Martavius Jones
(CNN)
Memphis City Council Chairman Martavius Jones told CNN that he hopes the charges announced against five former officers from the arrest of Tyre Nichols will help address the concerns of community members ahead of the expected release of video from the encounter.
“Our next step is going to see what the video actually looks like, and we hope that since we’ve delivered this accountability, that the community will accept that steps are being taken to bring justice to those individuals responsible for this act,” Jones told CNN’s Victor Blackwell during CNN Newsroom.
City Council Vice Chair JB Smiley Jr. said the city will continue to work with community leaders and organizers ahead of the video release, in hopes of quelling any potentially dangerous protests.
The city of Memphis plans to release video of Nichols’ arrest sometime after 6 p.m. local time (7 p.m. ET) Friday, according to the county district attorney.
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"No one out there that night intended for Tyre Nichols to die." Attorneys for 2 ex-officers discuss charges
Blake Ballin, left, attorney for Desmond Mills Jr., and William Massey, attorney for Emmitt Martin
(Ariel Cobbert for CNN)
Lawyers for two former Memphis police officers being charged with murder in the death of Tyre Nichols said they are waiting to see how the justice system plays out, emphasizing that both of their clients are upset about the situation.
Blake Ballin, attorney for Desmond Mills Jr., and William Massey, attorney for Emmitt Martin, said they have not seen the video of Nichols’ arrest. It is expected to be released Friday evening, according to the Shelby County district attorney.
“Justice means following the law and the law says that no one is guilty until a jury says they’re guilty,” Massey said. He said his client intends to post a bond of $350,000 and also will plead not guilty.
Mills Jr. and Martin, along with three other former MPD officers, were indicted on charges including murder and kidnapping, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy announced Thursday.
Ballin said his client, Mills Jr., “could not be more upset about this entire situation.”
He said Mills Jr. is in the process of posting a $250,000 bond to secure his release and plans to enter a not-guilty plea in court.
Though he said he has not had a conversation specifically about Nichols yet with Mills Jr., “to be accused of being involved in the death of another is devastating.”
While this is just the beginning of the process, Ballin said, the announcement of charges is causing Mills Jr. and his family a lot of “anxiety and a lot of pain, not only for his own situation but for what this kind of accusation, what this kind of incident, is doing to our city.”
The attorneys said initial court appearance dates had not yet been set.
CNN’s Andy Rose contributed reporting to this post.
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CNN legal analyst explains why charges of second-degree murder were brought against former officers
A grand jury on Thursday returned indictments against Emmitt Martin III, Justin Smith, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Desmond Mills.
Each former officer is charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, two charges of aggravated kidnapping, two charges of official misconduct and one charge of official oppression for their alleged roles in the death of Tyre Nichols.
According to attorney and CNN legal analyst Joey Jackson, the charges are “very significant and very important and can land all of these officers in jail, essentially if it’s 15 to 60 years, for the rest of their natural lives.”
He said that there are “two distinctions” when comparing charges for first-degree versus second-degree murder:
Under Tennessee sentencing guidelines, a conviction for first-degree murder could warrant life in prison or life without parole, Jackson said. For second-degree murder, the ex-officers could face 15 to 60 years if convicted, he said.
Jackson said the video of Nichols’ fatal traffic stop arrest will be “significant” to the case, which Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said will be released by the city of Memphis after 6 p.m. local time on Friday.
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NAACP calls for congressional action following murder charges for ex-officers
From CNN’s Andy Rose
The NAACP said Thursday that the decision of a grand jury to indict five former Memphis police officers for the murder of Tyre Nichols should spur national action to curb police brutality.
Johnson’s statement did not specify what law the association wants to be passed but said Congress’ record in the wake of killings at the hands of police is notable.
“We can name all the victims of police violence, but we can’t name a single law you have passed to address it,” Johnson added.
Separately, Memphis NAACP branch president Van Turner told CNN’s Don Lemon that he thinks authorities have been transparent.
He also encouraged members of the community who are planning to protest to do so in a peaceful way.
“I don’t expect there to be, you know, violence because there’s been transparency. The officers have been terminated, they’ve been charged. We know that the video will be bad. We know that there will be protests, but having citizens come out over the weekend to share that frustration with what has occurred may not be a bad idea,” he said.
CNN’s Sabrina Clay contributed to this report.
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Biden: The family of Tyre Nichols "deserves a swift, full, and transparent investigation"
From CNN's Sam Fossum and MJ Lee
President Joe Biden released a statement Thursday and that the family of Tyre Nichols “deserves a swift, full, and transparent investigation into his death.”
He added: “To deliver real change, we must have accountability when law enforcement officers violate their oaths, and we need to build lasting trust between law enforcement, the vast majority of whom wear the badge honorably, and the communities they are sworn to serve and protect.”
Biden was briefed earlier Thursdays on the charges, according to a White House official.
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Why are officers charged with aggravated kidnapping? District attorney explains reasoning
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy explained to reporters why there are charges related to aggravated kidnapping in Tyre Nichols’ case.
Mulroy, addressing a news conference on Thursday, defined kidnapping as “any unlawful confinement of another which substantially restrains someone’s liberty.”
He then described how the circumstances in Nichols’ case fit the kidnapping charge.
Nichols died three days after he was pulled over for alleged reckless driving by Memphis Police Department officers, as CNN previously reported.
In a statement, police claimed confrontations ensued between Nichols and the officers. After he was taken into custody, police said, Nichols complained he was having shortness of breath and was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.
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Specialized SCORPION police unit involved in death of Tyre Nichols, district attorney says
A Memphis police special unit focused on curbing violent crime was involved in the arrest, and ultimate death of Tyre Nichols, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said Thursday.
The Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods unit, or SCORPION for short, was launched in November 2021.
It is made up of teams of officers whose “primary focus will be violent crime reduction and the saturation of hot spot areas throughout the city,” the police department said in a Facebook video announcing the new unit.
Asked by a reporter if the former officers that were charged in Nichols’ death were members of the SCORPIONs, Mulroy only said that the violent crime unit was involved, but did not confirm the former officers were on that team.
At a later news conference, attorneys for Desmond Mills Jr. and Emmitt Martin confirmed that their clients were members of the SCORPION unit.
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DA hopes incident will lead to broader discussion about need for police reform
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy
(Ariel Cobbert for CNN)
The Tyre Nichols case should shepherd new discussions about policing in the US, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said Thursday.
“It’s my hope that if there is any silver lining to be drawn from this very dark cloud, it’s that perhaps this incident can open a broader conversation about the need for police reform,” Mulroy said, speaking at a news conference.
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"This was criminal." Tennessee Bureau of Investigation head says he was sickened by what he saw on video
David Rausch, Director of TN Bureau of Investigation
(WHBQ)
The head of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation called the death of Tyre Nichols “appalling” and “criminal.”
“Simply put, this shouldn’t have happened. I have been policing for more than 30 years. I have devoted my life to this profession, and I’m grieved. Frankly, I’m shocked. I’m sickened by what I saw,” David Rausch, the director of the TBI, said at a news conference Thursday.
Memphis police and the TBI have been investigating the use of force in Nichols’ arrest. He said that what officials learned so far is “appalling.”
City of Memphis will release video of arrest Friday, district attorney says
The city of Memphis will release the video of Tyre Nichols’ fatal arrest Friday after 6 p.m. local time, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said Thursday.
He said the city will also make a statement sometime later this afternoon about the timing of that release.
“The actual release will be up to the city of Memphis, but my understanding is it’ll be a combination of pull-cam video, SkyCop video and body cam video.”
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All 5 officers indicted are responsible for the death of Tyre Nichols, district attorney says
From CNN’s Jamiel Lynch
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said that the five officers indicted are all responsible for the death of Tyre Nichols.
A grand jury returned indictments against Emmitt Martin III, Justin Smith, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Desmond Mills, charging each with:
One charge of second-degree murder
One charge of aggravated assault
Two charges of aggravated kidnapping
Two charges of official misconduct
One charge of official oppression
The officers are currently in custody, he added.
Mulroy went on to explain why there are charges of aggravated kidnapping in Nichols’ case.
Nichols died three days after he was pulled over for alleged reckless driving by Memphis Police Department officers, as CNN previously reported.
In a statement, police claimed confrontations ensued between Nichols and the officers. After he was taken into custody, police said, Nichols complained he was having shortness of breath and was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.
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District attorney says he met with family of Tyre Nichols to go over ex-officers' charges
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said he met with the family of Tyre Nichols, the man who died three days after a traffic stop, to tell them the charges against five former Memphis police officers.
“We have previously met with the family of Tyre Nichols to go over what these charges were going to be, and that meeting with the family I think went rather well,” he said.
The former officers are currently in custody, he added.
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Officials worked to expedite investigation into death of Tyre Nichols, district attorney says
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy
(Ariel Cobbert for CNN)
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said officials worked to expedite the investigation into the death of Tyre Nichols because of the “extraordinary nature of the case.”
Speaking at a news conference Thursday, after news of charges against five former Memphis officers, Mulroy said his office immediately called in the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to make sure there was an independent voice looking into the fact.
He said officials worked “swiftly but also fairly,” while also ensuring prosecutors “have a strong case.”
“We’re here today because of a tragedy that wounds one family deeply, but also hurts us all,” Mulroy said, adding that he met with Nichols’ family “several times” this week.
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"We will keep saying his name until justice is served." Nichols family attorneys release statement on charges
From CNN’s Shawn Nottingham
The attorneys for the family of Tyre Nichols, Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, have issued a statement following news of charges against five former Memphis police officers.
The statement reads:
Crump and Romannuci say they will hold a news conference along with the Nichols family on Friday at noon ET.
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Indictment details charges against officers in Tyre Nichols' death
From CNN’s Mark Morales and Nick Valencia
An indictment in Shelby County Criminal Court details charges of second-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault, official misconduct and official oppression against the five former Memphis officers charged in the death of Tyre Nichols.
In addition to laying out the justification for the charges, the grand jury indictment states the officers intentionally did “refrain from performing a duty that was imposed by law that was clearly inherent in the nature of the office or employment.”
Notably, the Memphis Police Department amended its duty to intervene policy after the death of George Floyd in 2020, according to a copy of the policy sent to CNN by the department. The newer policy says that “any member who directly observes another member engaged in dangerous or criminal conduct or abuse of a subject shall take reasonable action to intervene.”
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy told CNN’s Don Lemon on CNN that the investigation is ongoing, and this indictment “does not preclude” the possibility of charges against other people.
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Officials release audio of Tyre Nichols' traffic stop
From CNN's Sara Sidner
CNN has obtained portions of the police scanner audio leading up to the arrest of Tyre Nichols who died three days after he was pulled over for alleged reckless driving in Memphis, Tennessee.
Police say confrontations ensued between Nichols and officers during the stop.
5 former Memphis police officers will be charged with second-degree murder in Tyre Nichols' death
From CNN's Melissa Alonso
From top left, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills, Demetrius Haley From bottom left, Justin Smith and Tadarrius Bean
(Shelby County Criminal Justice System)
Five former Memphis police officers are facing charges in the death of Tyre Nichols.
Emmitt Martin III, Justin Smith, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Desmond Mills are each facing charges of second-degree murder and aggravated assault, as well as two charges of aggravated kidnapping, two charges of official misconduct and one charge of official oppression, according to both Shelby County criminal court and Shelby County jail records.
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2 more former Memphis police officers will be charged in Tyre Nichols' death
From CNN's Melissa Alonso
Altogether, at least four former Memphis police officers are now facing charges in the death of Tyre Nichols.
Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Desmond Mills are facing charges of second-degree murder, aggravated assault, two charges of aggravated kidnapping, two charges of official misconduct and one charge of official oppression, according to Shelby County criminal court records.
A fourth former officer, Emmitt Martin III, has also been charged, but his attorney could not provide specific charges to CNN.
Correction: A previous version of this post gave the wrong spellings for the names of two of the arrested officers. Their names are Emmitt Martin and Tadarrius Bean.
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2 former Memphis police officers will be charged with murder in Tyre Nichols death
From CNN's Shawn Nottingham
Former Memphis police officers, Tadarrius Bean and Demetrius Haley
(Memphis Police Department)
Two former Memphis police officers, Tadarrius Bean and Demetrius Haley, are each facing seven charges in the death of Tyre Nichols.
Bean and Haley will be charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, two charges of aggravated kidnapping, two charges of official misconduct and one charge of official oppression, according Shelby County criminal court records.
CNN has reached out to both Bean and Haley’s attorneys about potential charges but they have not yet responded.
The Shelby County district attorney’s office has called a 3 p.m. ET news conference to discuss developments in the Nichols case.
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Family of Tyre Nichols seeks murder charges for officers, attorney says
From CNN’s Jamiel Lynch
Family attorney Antonio Romanucci.
(CNN)
The family of Tyre Nichols wants the officers seen beating him on video charged with murder, family attorney Antonio Romanucci told CNN’s Erin Burnett Wednesday evening.
Five police officers and two members of the city’s fire department were fired in the wake of Nichols’ death.
The Shelby County District Attorney has yet to announce if anyone will be charged in the case. Video of the incident that Nichols’ family and attorneys have viewed has not been publicly released.
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Attorney says 1 former officer has been indicted in Tyre Nichols case
From CNN’s Don Lemon
Former Memphis officer Emmitt Martin III
(Memphis Police Department)
An attorney for one of the five Memphis police officers fired over the death of Tyre Nichols says his client has been indicted and has surrendered.
Attorney William Massey represents former officer Emmitt Martin III.
Massey told CNN’s Don Lemon he does not yet know the nature of the charges and is working to find out.
The status of the other former officers is unclear.
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Defense attorney briefing expected after update on Tyre Nichols death investigation
From CNN's Shawn Nottingham
An attorney representing one of the officers fired after the death of Tyre Nichols will hold a press briefing following an update from the Shelby County district attorney Thursday.
Memphis defense attorney Blake Ballin will hold a briefing at 4:30 p.m. ET regarding his client, former Memphis officer Desmond Mills Jr.
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Charges will be announced this afternoon in Tyre Nichols case, source says
From CNN’s Don Lemon
People walk outside of the Shelby County Criminal Justice Center in downtown Memphis on Thursday.
(Ariel J. Cobbert for CNN)
Thursday afternoon’s update on the Tyre Nichols death investigation will include an announcement of criminal charges, a source close to the investigation tells CNN’s Don Lemon.
The source also told CNN that authorities expect to release police video of the stop on Friday.
Law enforcement across US preparing for possible protests after release of video in Tyre Nichols case
From CNN's Whitney Wild
Law enforcement agencies nationwide are bracing for protests and potential unrest following the anticipated release of video showing the brutal beating of Tyre Nichols by Memphis police officers, multiple sources told CNN.
The Major Cities Chiefs Association, one of the leading professional law enforcement organizations, has convened several calls with member agencies, according to the group’s Executive Director Laura Cooper.
A law enforcement source familiar with the national coordination told CNN that in at least one of those calls, Memphis police told participants to be on alert for unrest. The source added there was an additional call among Washington, DC, law enforcement agencies to coordinate responses and share information.
The source said that agencies such as US Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department are adding additional staffing to prepare for potential violence. The source added that with the Capitol Police, for example, civil disturbance units have been activated and additional command staff will be brought in.
The video is expected to be released soon.
Some background: Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, was hospitalized after Memphis police pulled him over in a traffic stop and used force to arrest him Jan. 7. He died from his injuries three days later.
Five Memphis police officers, who are also Black, were fired for violating policies on excessive use of force, duty to intervene and duty to render aid, the department said. A prosecutor has said a decision on whether to file charges is forthcoming.
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Tyre Nichols was a family man who enjoyed skateboarding, photography and sunsets
From CNN's Christina Zdanowicz and Jaide Timm-Garcia
Tyre Nichols.
(Provided by Ben Crump)
Tyre Nichols was a father, a man who loved his mama and a free-spirited soul who was looking for a new life in Memphis, Tennessee.
Now, as attention turns toward potential charges for the officers involved, Nichols’ family wants the world to know the man Nichols was.
The 29-year-old was the baby of his family, the youngest of four children. He was a “good boy” who spent his Sundays doing laundry and getting ready for the week, his mother, RowVaughn Wells, said.
Above all else, Nichols loved being a father and loved his son, his family said.
Nichols was someone who brought everyone joy. “When he comes through the door, he wants to give you a hug,” Crump said, speaking on behalf of Nichols’ family.
Nichols’ daily life was ordinary at times, as he worked and spent time with family, but he also made time for his passions, his mom, Wells, said.
Nichols worked the second shift at FedEx, where he had been employed for about nine months, she said.
He came home during his break to eat with his mom, who would have dinner cooked.
Nichols loved his mom’s homemade chicken, made with sesame seeds, just the way he liked it, Wells said.
Tyre Nichols does tricks on his board in a YouTube video, which was shown at a news conference by his family’s attorney Crump.
(From Austin Dean)
When he wasn’t working, Nichols headed to Shelby Farms Park to skateboard, something he had been doing since he was 6 years old. He would wake up on Saturdays to go skate or sometimes, he’d go to the park to enjoy the sunset and snap photos of it, his mom said.
Correction: A previous version of this post misspelled RowVaughn Wells’ first name.
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5 Memphis officers were fired after Tyre Nichols' arrest and death, police department says
From CNN’s Raja Razek
Pictured are top, from left, former officers Justin Smith, Emmit Martin III and Desmond Mills and, bottom, from left, Demetrius Haley and Tadarrius Bean.
Following his death, the Memphis Police Department (MPD) said five of its officers were terminated for violating multiple department policies during the traffic stop.
The five officers involved in the stop were fired from the police department, according to the release.
“Earlier today, each officer charged was terminated from the Memphis Police Department,” the release read.
“The egregious nature of this incident is not a reflection of the good work that our officers perform, with integrity, every day,” the release added.
What we know so far about the incident: CNN previously reported that on Jan. 8, the police department announced officers pulled over a driver for reckless driving the previous day.
“As officers approached the driver of the vehicle, a confrontation occurred and the suspect fled the scene on foot,” officials said in a statement posted on social media.
Officers pursued the suspect and again attempted to take him into custody when another confrontation occurred before the suspect was apprehended, according to police.
“Afterward, the suspect complained of having a shortness of breath, at which time an ambulance was called to the scene. The suspect was transported to St. Francis Hospital in critical condition,” officials said.
Correction: This post has been updated with the correct identifications in the caption of the photo.
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Shelby County officials will share updates on the investigation into Tyre Nichols' death today
From CNN's Nick Valencia
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy will provide an update on the investigation into Tyre Nichols’ death Thursday afternoon, according to a news release.
Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, was hospitalized after his arrest on Jan. 7 and died three days later.
Mulroy will be joined by other members of the district attorney’s office at 3 p.m. ET.
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Here's a timeline of events before and after Tyre Nichols’ death
From CNN's Travis Caldwell
Tyre Nichols
(Courtesy Ben Crump and Nichols Family)
Nearly three weeks ago, Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, was hospitalized after a traffic stop in Memphis that resulted in a violent arrest and subsequent death of a driver.
Jan. 7: At approximately 8:30 p.m. local time, officers pulled over a vehicle for suspected reckless driving, according to a statement from Memphis police.
“A confrontation occurred” between officers and the vehicle’s driver – later identified as Nichols – who then fled on foot, according to Memphis police. Officers apprehended him and “another confrontation occurred,” resulting in Nichols’ arrest, police said.
An ambulance was called to the scene of the arrest after Nichols complained of shortness of breath, police said, and he was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
Jan. 10: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced Nichols had died due to injuries sustained in the “use-of-force incident with officers,” according to a statement.
Jan. 15: The officers involved were relieved of duty – a standard departmental procedure while an investigation into their use of force began, Memphis police said. The TBI and the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office were also enlisted to investigate.
Preliminary findings indicated the serious nature of the officers’ conduct during the stop, police said.
“Today, the department is serving notice to the officers involved of the impending administrative actions,” Chief Davis said in a statement.
Jan. 18: The Department of Justice said a civil rights investigation has been opened into the death of Nichols. Kevin G. Ritz, US Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee declined to provide further details.
Jan. 20: After its internal investigation, Memphis police identified and fired five officers — Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills, Jr., and Justin Smith — involved in the traffic stop due to their violation of multiple department policies.
Nichols family attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci called the firing of the five officers “the first step towards achieving justice for Tyre and his family.”
Two Memphis Fire Department employees who were part of Nichols’ “initial patient care” were also fired, department Public Information Officer Qwanesha Ward told CNN.
Jan. 23: After meeting with officials to watch the unreleased police video of the arrest, Nichols’ stepfather said: “What I saw on the video today was horrific. No father, mother should have to witness what I saw today.”
CNN’s Nick Valencia, Chris Boyette, Jamiel Lynch, Raja Razek, Eric Levenson, Dakin Andone, Theresa Waldrop, Steve Almasy, Sara Smart and Hannah Rabinowitz contributed to this report.
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Memphis police chief: "This is a failing of basic humanity"
From CNN’s Chris Boyette
Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis speaks at a press conference in 2022.
Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis released remarks Wednesday night on the death of Tyre Nichols, ahead of reports that charges against the officers seen beating him on video are forthcoming and the body camera footage will soon be made public.
The Memphis Police Department has fired five officers, all of whom are Black, for violating policies on excessive use of force, duty to intervene and duty to render aid, the department previously said.
Davis said that other Memphis police officers are still under investigation for department policy violations related to the incident but did not elaborate.
With the possible announcement of charges against the officers and impending release of the body camera footage, the police chief spoke to the reaction of the people of Memphis, urging that “in our outrage and frustration” people remain nonviolent.
“I expect our citizens to exercise their First Amendment right to protest to demand action and results. But we need to ensure our community is safe in this process,” Davis said. “None of this is a calling card for inciting violence or destruction on our community or against our citizens.”
