Federal Charges Levied Against 5 Former Memphis Police Officers Over Tyre Nichols’ Death

Mr. Nichols’ beating death at the hands of the five officers ignited national outrage.

This combo of images provided by the Memphis Police Department shows (top L–R) former officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, (bottom L–R) Desmond Mills Jr., and Justin Smith. Memphis Police Department via AP

A federal grand jury in Memphis, Tennessee, indicted five ex-Memphis Police Department (MPD) detectives on counts of federal civil rights violations, conspiracy, and obstruction, all linked to the death of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols during a Jan. 7 traffic stop.

Mr. Nichols’ death, which occurred after he was beaten, pepper sprayed, and shocked with a stun gun by the officers, ignited national outrage.