In a verdict that has reignited national conversations about police accountability and justice, three former Memphis police officers—Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith—were acquitted on all state charges related to the 2023 fatal beating of Tyre Nichols. The jury’s decision, delivered on May 7, 2025, concluded a nine-day trial and approximately 8.5 hours of deliberation over two days .
The Incident and Charges
On January 7, 2023, Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, was stopped by members of the Memphis Police Department’s SCORPION unit. After being forcibly removed from his vehicle, pepper-sprayed, and tasered, Nichols fled on foot toward his nearby home. He was subsequently apprehended and subjected to a violent assault involving punches, kicks, and baton strikes. Nichols succumbed to his injuries three days later .
The three officers faced multiple state charges, including second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct, and official oppression. Despite graphic video evidence and public outcry, the jury found them not guilty on all counts .
Federal Proceedings and Other Officers
Prior to the state trial, all five officers involved had faced federal charges. In October 2024, Bean and Smith were convicted of witness tampering, while Haley was found guilty of violating Nichols’ civil rights, among other charges . The remaining two officers, Desmond Mills Jr. and Emmitt Martin III, pleaded guilty to federal charges and cooperated with prosecutors. Sentencing for these federal convictions is scheduled for June 2025 .
Public and Legal Reactions
The acquittals have sparked renewed outrage among civil rights advocates and the public. Attorney Ben Crump, representing the Nichols family, condemned the verdict as a miscarriage of justice, emphasizing the need for systemic reform .
The U.S. Department of Justice released a report in December 2024 highlighting systemic issues within the Memphis Police Department, including excessive use of force and racial discrimination . The SCORPION unit, to which the officers belonged, was disbanded following Nichols’ death
Broader Implications
This case underscores ongoing challenges in holding law enforcement accountable for misconduct. Despite federal convictions, the state-level acquittals highlight the complexities of prosecuting police officers. The Nichols case continues to fuel discussions on police reform and the necessity for transparent and equitable justice systems.