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Sun. Oct 6th, 2024

Closing arguments will begin in the federal trial against former officers charged in Tire Nichols’ death

Closing arguments will begin in the federal trial against former officers charged in Tire Nichols’ death

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Closing arguments are scheduled to begin Tuesday morning at the federal courthouse where three Memphis police officers went on trial on federal civil rights charges during a Jan. 7, 2023 traffic stop at Tire Nichols.

Nichols died from injuries suffered when officers arrested him three days later.

Former SCORPION officers Justin Smith, Demetrius Haley and Tadarrius Bean pleaded not guilty to federal charges of excessive force, failure to intervene and attempting to suppress evidence following Nichols’ arrest.

Former officers Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills Jr., also charged in the case, previously pleaded guilty and both testified against their former colleagues.

Prosecutors argue that Nichols, arrested for speeding and dangerous driving, did not pose a threat to former MPD officers.

They allege that the co-defendants violated multiple department policies, starting with the police pursuit and then intentionally withholding key information from medical personnel, their superiors and even the FBI to conceal the fatal blows that Nichols delivered at the scene of his arrest.

Federal prosecutors cited video evidence, document reports, witness statements and officer testimony.

The defense argues that Bean, Smith and Haley received training and acted appropriately because Nichols was combative and disobedient.

The jury may reach a verdict as early as Tuesday, the 17th day of the trial.

Nichols’ family was present in court every day.

This story will be updated.

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By meerna

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