Timeline: The death of Tyre Nichols and what’s happened since
The weather in Memphis on Jan. 7, 2023, was mild, with clear skies and temperatures in the 50s. But the events of that night created a storm that still hovers over the city.
There are 195 article(s) tagged Tyre Nichols:
The weather in Memphis on Jan. 7, 2023, was mild, with clear skies and temperatures in the 50s. But the events of that night created a storm that still hovers over the city.
There was a time when violence against suspects was talked about freely within the force, according to former and current MPD officers. Relatively recent evidence suggests that kind of culture may have continued within the department. What’s going on with MPD’s traffic stops? Depends on whom you ask.Related story:
Whether Memphis City Council’s ban on pretextual traffic stops is being followed, and what will happen in the future, remains unclear.
Laws passed in the wake of Tyre Nichols’ death instituted new data collection policies for traffic stops; stipulated that only marked police cars make traffic stops, and mandated residents not get pulled over for low-level offenses like faulty brake lights. Former officer accused in Tyre Nichols’ death wants trial outside of MemphisRelated story:
Also happening: Cleotha Abston’s attorney requests Davidson County jurors for his trial, and the Shelby County Commission holds its first committee sessions of the year.
Bernice Donald was selected as the mediator in confidential discussions that could lead to a potential settlement or set the stage for trial if no resolution is reached, according to court documents.
Memphis Police Department Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis told the Memphis City Council in February 13 additional officers were facing internal police charges related to Nichols’ death, but she did not identify them.
Personnel records for Demetrius Haley, 30, reveal that he had multiple allegations of violating departmental policy at Shelby County Division of Corrections.
“The bottom line is we don’t like to separate trials because they cost more money, they take more time and you inconvenience more people,” said Hank Fradella, a professor at Arizona State University.
The state trial is set to take place after the federal case the former Memphis Police Department officers are also facing. Attorney for former officer accused of killing Tyre Nichols moves to block expert testimonyRelated story:
“I’m hoping that for Mr. Mills it was his conscience that allowed him to make this plea agreement and not because of his lawyers telling him it was the right thing to do,” RowVaughn Wells said.
Desmond Mills, who is represented by attorney Blake Ballin, plans to enter a change of plea during a hearing.
Federal prosecutors want to block the use of references to Tyre Nichols’ alleged “bad” character and conduct by defense counsel for the officers accused of beating him to death in pretrial motions and during trial.
Attorneys for the City of Memphis previously filed a motion to strike any mention of the former Atlanta “Red Dog” police unit in the $550 million lawsuit, arguing the information would be immaterial and scandalous.
Attorneys for a former officer and a former lieutenant of the Memphis Police Department argue the $550 million civil lawsuit should have been filed by Tyre Nichols’ young son.
Attorneys for the U.S. government have argued the defense is looking to tarnish Tyre Nichols’ character during the May 2024 trial, while attorneys for the defense say Nichols’ state of mind that night is key.
Lawyers for three of the five former Memphis officers involved in the death of Tyre Nichols had filed motions to sever their cases, arguing they could not receive fair trials if all five face a jury together.
The Memphis Tigers kick off basketball season, and a judge is expected to rule on whether to separate trials for three of the five former officers accused in Tyre Nichols’ death.
The five are defendants in both the criminal and civil cases.
Most of the cases dismissed as a result of their ties to the five former Memphis Police Department officers accused in Tyre Nichols’ death were street-level drug offenses, weapons violations and driving violations.
A judge is slated to issue an order by the end of next week allowing for the public release of additional video, audio, reports and personnel files related to the Tyre Nichols case.
Emmitt Martin III made his first court federal court appearance Thursday, Sept. 14, and was arraigned before Magistrate Judge Annie Christoff.
U.S. District Judge Mark Norris is weighing how the civil lawsuit over Tyre Nichols’ death should proceed and what parties should be involved.
Decertification process for fellow officer Preston Hemphill was also placed on hold.
Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith made their initial appearances in federal court Wednesday before Magistrate Judge Charmiane Claxton and were arraigned on the charges.