August Trial Set for Former Memphis Police Officers Charged in Fatal Beating of Tyre Nichols

Four officers plead not guilty, while fifth officer charged pleads guilty to federal charges and may testify in state trial; the fatal beating captured on police video has sparked protests and renewed debate on police brutality.

• An August 12 trial date has been set for four former Memphis police officers - Emmitt Martin, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith - each of whom has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and other charges related to the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols.
• A fifth officer, Desmond Mills Jr., pleaded guilty to federal charges of excessive force and obstruction of justice, and is expected to plead guilty to state charges as part of a larger deal; prosecutors are recommending a 15-year prison sentence for Mills whose sentencing rests with the federal judge.
• Defense lawyers suggested that the trial could last a month, however, prosecutor Paul Hagerman maintains that it does not need to be a monthlong trial as the proof is plain and simple.
• The defense for one of the officers, Martin, is contemplating filing a motion for a change of venue due to heavy media coverage of Nichols' beating death in Memphis; this could result in a jury from outside Shelby County hearing the case.
• An autopsy report revealed that Nichols died from blows to the head, labeling the manner of death a homicide; Nichols' beating, captured on police video, triggered protests and revived debate about police brutality and the need for police reform in the US.

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