Mixed Verdict in Trial of Memphis Officers for Tyre Nichols' Death

One officer convicted of civil rights violations, while two others face lesser charges in the high-profile case.

The jury delivered a mixed verdict in the federal trial of three former Memphis officers involved in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols, with only one officer convicted of civil rights violations.
Officer Demetrius Haley was found guilty of lesser civil rights charges and witness tampering, while officers Tadarrius Bean and Justin Smith were only convicted of obstruction of justice related to witness tampering.
The case has intensified calls for systemic change in police practices, especially concerning racialized violence during traffic stops, which disproportionately affects Black motorists.
Civil rights advocates and some lawmakers argue that individual prosecutions are insufficient and stress the need for broader reforms in traffic enforcement policies to prevent similar incidents.
Despite the convictions, the verdict has left many observers perplexed, questioning the jury's decision in light of video evidence showing the officers' actions during the incident.