The other two officers had previously entered guilty pleas, marking a pivotal moment in the high-profile case that sparked national outrage and reignited the push for police reform across the U.S.
The acquitted officers… Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Emmitt Martin… had already faced federal convictions prior to this state-level verdict. Meanwhile, Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith accepted plea deals for their roles in the fatal encounter.
Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, was pulled over in a January 2023 traffic stop that escalated violently. Officers dragged him from his vehicle, deployed pepper spray and a Taser, and chased him down after he fled on foot.
Once caught, Nichols was brutally punched, kicked, and beaten with a baton, even as he cried out for his mother… mere steps from his home. He died three days later from his injuries, igniting widespread protests and demands for justice.
All five officers, who are Black and were part of Memphis PD’s now-disbanded Scorpion Unit, were fired in the wake of the incident.
The Scorpion Unit, which was tasked with cracking down on violent crime, had been under scrutiny for aggressive tactics, often targeting unarmed civilians.
Each officer also faced federal charges, including civil rights violations and witness tampering.
This latest legal turn adds a complex layer to an already emotionally charged case, as the community continues to seek accountability and systemic change in policing nationwide.
