Three former Memphis police officers charged with second-degree murder in the brutal beating of Tyre Nichols will stand trial in state court starting April 28, 2024, a Shelby County judge ruled Friday.
State Charges Against Bean, Haley, and Smith
Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith, former members of Memphis’ now-disbanded Scorpion Unit, face state charges of second-degree murder for the January 2023 death of Nichols. The 29-year-old died three days after being beaten during a traffic stop near his home.
Judge James Jones Jr. set the April trial date during a hearing Friday. A separate hearing is scheduled for November 25 to address motions by defense attorneys seeking to try the three men separately. All three have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Federal Convictions and Sentencing
The state trial follows the October 3 federal convictions of Bean, Haley, and Smith on witness tampering charges related to Nichols’ death. Haley also was found guilty of civil rights violations and conspiracy to tamper with witnesses. Sentencing for the federal charges is scheduled for January.
Two additional officers involved, Emmitt Martin and Desmond Mills Jr., pleaded guilty to federal charges and testified for prosecutors. Both are expected to change their pleas in state court to avoid a murder trial.
The Death of Tyre Nichols
Nichols was stopped by officers in January 2023 and fled after being pepper-sprayed and tased. Officers later caught up to him near his home, where body camera footage captured them punching, kicking, and striking Nichols with a baton as he cried out for his mother.
Nichols suffered severe head injuries, as confirmed by an autopsy report, which listed brain injuries, cuts, and bruises as contributing factors to his death. He died on January 10, 2023, sparking national outrage, protests, and demands for police reform.
Defense Motions in Federal Court
Attorneys for Bean and Smith have filed motions in federal court seeking to overturn their convictions. U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris has not yet ruled on the motions.
