Five former Memphis, Tennessee, police officers have pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and other charges in the death of Tyre Nichols, gistpeople reports
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Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr., and Justin Smith appeared in court with their attorneys on Friday and pleaded not guilty.
The officers were fired on January 20 and charged with second-degree murder, official misconduct, aggravated kidnapping, official oppression, and aggravated assault. RowVaughn Wells, Nichols’ mother, and stepfather, Rodney Wells, were also in court with their attorney, Ben Crump.
RowVaughn Wells, Nichols’ mother, said after the hearing that the officers didn’t have the courage to look her in the eyes during the hearing, but that “they’re going to see me at every court date everyone until we get justice for my son.”
Five former officers were involved in the Tyre Nichols case.
“I’m feeling very numb right now,” Wells admitted. “And I’m waiting for someone to wake me up from this nightmare that I’m having right now. That is not going to happen.”
During the hearing, Judge James Jones Jr. requested patience, stating that “this case may take some time” and that “there may be some high emotions.”
“But it’s critical that you understand that the state of Tennessee, as well as each of these defendants, have an absolute right to a fair trial, and I will not tolerate any behavior that jeopardizes that right,” he said.
Blake Ballin, an attorney for Desmond Mills Jr., told reporters outside the courtroom that “justice for Mr. Nichols will not be achieved at the expense of justice for Mr. Mills.”
“I want to remind everyone that the resolution of this indictment, to which Mr. Mills has pleaded not guilty,” he said.
The officers’ next court appearance is scheduled for May 1.
Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis stated last month that the officers were “directly responsible” for Nichols’ “physical abuse.”
The officers allegedly violated multiple policies, including use of excessive force, duty to intervene, and duty to render aid, according to an administrative investigation conducted by Memphis police, Davis said.
According to video released by the city, Nichols was pulled over by officers and aggressively yanked out of his car, while officers shouted a confusing barrage of commands at him.
Nichols managed to flee to his mother’s neighborhood and was about 80 yards from her home when video showed multiple officers assaulting him while he yelled “Mom!” repeatedly.
According to Davis, an investigation and review of available camera footage revealed “no proof” that Nichols had been stopped for reckless driving.
Nichols, 29, a father of a 4-year-old son and an amateur photographer and skateboarder, was taken to the hospital in critical condition and died three days later.
