Ex-Memphis Officer Changes Plea in Tyre Nichols Fatal Beating Case

In Memphis, Tennessee, a second former police officer is set to change his not-guilty plea in a federal civil rights case linked to the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols last year. This incident has become a significant focal point for discussions on police reform and accountability.

Emmitt Martin is scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge Mark Norris on Friday for this plea change, as stated in a court document filed on Thursday. Initially, jury selection for his trial was planned for September 9. There are still three other former officers awaiting trial on the same charges.

In November, Desmond Mills Jr., another ex-officer involved in the case, changed his plea to guilty on charges of excessive force and obstruction of justice. Mills agreed to cooperate with prosecutors in exchange for a recommended 15-year prison sentence, and he may testify against the other defendants in the Nichols case.

Martin, along with Mills and three additional former officers, was indicted in September for depriving Nichols of his rights through excessive force, failing to intervene, and obstructing justice. They also face state charges including second-degree murder.

It remains uncertain if Martin plans to alter his not-guilty plea on state charges as well. Mills’ lawyer indicated he would plead guilty in state court. An attorney for Mills did not comment on Martin’s upcoming plea change hearing.

The three other fired officers—Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith—are still facing charges for federal civil rights violations, along with state charges including second-degree murder. They have consistently maintained their not-guilty pleas, and the state trial has been postponed until after the federal trial concludes.

Erica Williams, a spokesperson for Shelby County District Attorney Steven Mulroy, reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with federal authorities. She stated they will provide updates without compromising the ongoing investigation.

Attempts to reach Martin’s attorney, William Massey, for comment were unsuccessful, as were attempts to contact attorneys for Bean and Smith. Haley’s attorney also declined to comment on the case.

Tyre Nichols died on January 10, 2023, three days after suffering severe injuries during a traffic stop. The police encounter involved multiple officers who kicked, punched, and struck Nichols with a baton. Footage released later revealed the officers continuing to talk among themselves while Nichols, severely injured, sat on the ground calling for his mother just a short distance from his home.

It’s worth noting that Nichols and all five officers involved were Black. The officers were subsequently fired due to violations of the Memphis Police Department’s policies.

An autopsy identified the cause of Nichols’ death as multiple blunt force injuries to the head, classifying the manner of death as homicide. The examination revealed extensive brain injuries and numerous bruises across his body.

Martin was reported to be the second officer to engage with Nichols during the traffic stop, where he assisted Officer Haley in forcibly removing Nichols from his vehicle. Documents regarding the case indicate that Nichols attempted to flee but was apprehended within six minutes by other officers. As Nichols was subdued on the ground, Martin kicked him in the torso and punched him in the face, while two other officers restrained his arms.

The Memphis Police Chief has publicly stated that there were no valid justifications for the officers to have initiated the traffic stop of Nichols in the first place.

The ongoing criminal charges are being handled separately from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice into the Memphis police department’s use of force tactics, arrest procedures, and whether there are patterns of racially discriminatory policing practices in the largely Black city. Additionally, the Justice Department is conducting a review of specialized police units and their methods of engagement.

In a related matter, Nichols’ mother has initiated a $550 million lawsuit against the city of Memphis and its police chief.

Source: Associated Press