Ex-Memphis officers found guilty of witness tampering in Tyre Nichols' fatal beating
USA TodaySep 24
Memphis Ex-Officers Convicted in Tyre Nichols Death
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Above: A memorial is displayed for Tyre Nichols at the Embrace statue in Boston, Massachusetts, on Jan. 28, 2023. Image copyright: Joseph Prezioso/AFP/Contributor via Getty Images
The Facts
Three former Memphis police officers were on Thursday convicted on federal charges related to the 2023 fatal beating of Tyre Nichols, though they were acquitted of the most serious charges in the case.
Jurors deliberated for roughly six hours before finding Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith guilty of witness tampering. Haley was additionally convicted of violating Nichols' civil rights by causing bodily injury.
The Spin
Narrative A
While the officers were not convicted of all the charges they faced, they will be jailed for a considerable period of time for the crimes they committed. Due process is unfolding as it should.
Narrative B
Five officers beat a Black man to death. Police brutality and systemic injustice sparks outrage, but this is followed by a lack of real accountability for police. What will it take to break this cycle of violence?
