Three Memphis police officers have been convicted in connection with the beating death of Tyre Nichols. Following the verdict, which was announced on Thursday evening, many members of the local community took to social media to express their condolences to Nichols’ family.
The jury found Demetrius Haley guilty of several charges, including the use of excessive force, deliberate indifference to Nichols’ medical needs, conspiracy to commit witness tampering, and witness tampering. While Haley was convicted on all counts, the jury determined that for the first two charges—excessive force and indifference to medical needs—his actions resulted in injury, not death, leading to convictions on lesser charges.
Fellow officers Tadarrius Bean and Justin Smith Jr. were also found guilty of witness tampering. Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills Jr. opted for plea deals before the trial, admitting to using excessive force and conspiring to commit witness tampering.
All officers are scheduled for sentencing on January 22.
Reactions to the verdict have varied. District Attorney Steve Mulroy praised the efforts of the U.S. attorney’s office, stating, “The public deserves to know that those who enforce the law are not above the law; if they use excessive force, they’ll be held accountable.” Attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci remarked, “Today, justice has prevailed for Tyre Nichols and his family,” emphasizing that the guilty verdict sends a strong message about accountability for law enforcement officers.
Former Shelby County Commissioner Tami Sawyer noted the strength of Nichols’ parents throughout the ordeal, and Congressman Steve Cohen expressed his satisfaction with the jury’s decision, while also noting his surprise that the officers were not convicted of charges directly related to Nichols’ death.