Tire Nichols became the focus of national anger and re-examined police conduct after a jury cleared all state charges involving three former Memphis officials at a January 2023 traffic stop.
After more than eight hours of deliberation, on Wednesday (May 7), the team found Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith for second-degree murder, aggravated assaults, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression.
The decision comes at the end of a seven-day trial, marking the second court battle related to Nichols’ death.
“Today’s judgment was devastating in the trial of the officer who died in Tire Nichols. But we must not let the cruel act of ending life cover up the beauty of his life,” said family lawyer Ben Crump.
Nichols, a 29-year-old black man, died three days after he was beaten by police officers from the now-standing Scorpion unit of the Memphis Police Department.
Body cameras and surveillance footage show that when he cried for his mother, the officer slammed, kicked and hit Nicole with a baton. The video sparked widespread protests and called for thorough police reforms.
All five officials involved were fired and prosecuted at the state and federal levels. Two of them, Emmitt Martin and Desmond Mills Jr., pleaded guilty and testified during the state trial.
In another federal case last year, Hayley, Bean and Smith were found guilty of witness tampering. Haley was also found guilty of causing personal injury to Nichols’ civil rights.
However, none of the three were accused of federal charges directly related to Nichols’ death. These convictions are still under trial.
Nichols’ family did not speak to the media after the judgment was heard.
The judgment today in the trial of officials involved in the death of Tire Nichols was devastating. But we must not let the cruel acts of ending his life cover up the beauty of his lifestyle. Tires are fathers, sons, skateboarders who love sunsets and photography. He wants to…pic.twitter.com/aiqxge88ce
— Ben Crump (@attorneycrump), May 7, 2025
“Tire is a father, son, skateboarder who loves sunsets and photography. He wants to live and experience the best life. His death has changed us forever – but his legacy will continue to exist. We will make sure that,” added Ben Crump.
Within minutes, social media illuminated with a response from incredible to angry, rekindling the debate about police accountability and justice.
“I watched the video of Tire Nichols being beaten by police, executed in the street, calling for his mother to be beaten at his last moment,” one user said. “These police officers have just been acquitted.
Our justice system is a joke. ”
I’m very confused. Maybe someone can help me understand.
Tire Nichols was beaten so disgusting that he was calling his mother. The officer laughed at him with his bloody body as a prop for the pictures they sent to others.
But they were still acquitted. pic.twitter.com/oszbdq0jao
— Kyle J. (@krobinjr) May 7, 2025
They literally beat Tire Nichols’ life! And convicted on all 7 charges! This country is an AF ####### joke.
– Your Favorite Flower (@gardenfullofjas) May 7, 2025
Therefore, all the police officers who killed the tire Nichols were found innocent and Memphis was about to burn.
— Marcsxx (@marcsshmltn) May 7, 2025
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