Current:Home > ScamsDistrict attorney drops at least 30 cases that involved officers charged in death of Tyre Nichols-LoTradeCoin
District attorney drops at least 30 cases that involved officers charged in death of Tyre Nichols
View Date:2024-12-23 22:49:13
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A district attorney in Tennessee said Thursday that his office has dropped 30 to 40 cases involving the five former officers who have been charged with second-degree murder in the beating death of Tyre Nichols.
In a statement, Shelby County District Attorney Steven Mulroy’s spokesperson also said charges were reduced in about a dozen other cases involving the former Memphis Police officers. Four cases were referred to the U.S. attorney’s office for allegations of excessive force, the district attorney’s office added.
The decisions follow a review by Mulroy’s office of about 100 cases shared among the officers.
“DA Mulroy cites that the dismissals came down to the lack of credibility from the five officers since the charges,” Mulroy’s spokesperson, Erica Williams, said in the statement.
Caught on police video, the beating of the 29-year-old Nichols was one in a string of violent encounters between police and Black people that sparked protests and renewed debate about police brutality and police reform in the U.S.
Five officers have pleaded not guilty to criminal charges including second-degree murder in the Jan. 7 beating of Nichols after a traffic stop — and his death three days later.
The five officers — Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin, Desmond Mills and Justin Smith — charged in the case are Black. So was Nichols.
The officers were part of a crime-suppression team known as Scorpion. They punched Nichols, kicked him and slugged him with a baton as he yelled for his mother. Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis disbanded the Scorpion unit after Nichols’ death, though members of the unit have been moved to other teams.
Last month, the U.S. Department of Justice said it is investigating how Memphis Police Department officers use force and conduct arrests.
Even in the majority Black city of Memphis, the police department may be disproportionately focusing its traffic enforcement on Black drivers, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division said in announcing the investigation.
The Justice Department announced in March a separate review concerning the use of force, de-escalation strategies and specialized units in the Memphis Police Department. Federal investigators also are looking specifically into Nichols’ arrest and death. Nichols’ mother has sued the city and its police chief over her son’s death.
veryGood! (7717)
Related
- US overdose deaths are down, giving experts hope for an enduring decline
- Ancient gold treasures depicting Norse gods unearthed in Norway: A very special find
- Nevada jury awards $228.5M in damages against bottled water company after liver illnesses, death
- Donald Trump’s lawyers seek to halt civil fraud trial and block ruling disrupting real estate empire
- Ex-Marine misused a combat technique in fatal chokehold of NYC subway rider, trainer testifies
- TikToker Alix Earle Shares How She Overcame Eating Disorder Battle
- Want flattering coverage in a top Florida politics site? It could be yours for $2,750
- Ranking MLB's eight remaining playoff teams: Who's got the best World Series shot?
- Lost luggage? This new Apple feature will let you tell the airline exactly where it is.
- Boy thrown from ride at Virginia state fair hospitalized in latest amusement park accident
Ranking
- Singles' Day vs. Black Friday: Which Has the Best Deals for Smart Shoppers?
- New Mexico AG charges police officer in fatal shooting of Black man at gas station
- Tropical Storm Philippe drenches Bermuda en route to Atlantic Canada and New England
- The Best Holiday Beauty Gift Sets of 2023: Dyson, Rare Beauty, Olaplex & More
- 'Climate change is real': New York parks employee killed as historic drought fuels blazes
- Billboard Latin Music Awards 2023: Peso Pluma, Bad Bunny and Karol G sweep top honors
- Economic spotlight turns to US jobs data as markets are roiled by high rates and uncertainties
- How Love Is Blind's Milton Johnson Really Feels About Lydia Gonzalez & Uche Okoroha's Relationship
Recommendation
-
Missouri prosecutor says he won’t charge Nelly after an August drug arrest
-
Zimbabwe announces 100 suspected cholera deaths and imposes restrictions on gatherings
-
Britney Spears' Dad Jamie Spears Hospitalized With Bacterial Infection
-
Lebanese army rescues over 100 migrants whose boat ran into trouble in the Mediterranean
-
Beyoncé's Grammy nominations in country categories aren't the first to blur genre lines
-
Ranking MLB's eight remaining playoff teams: Who's got the best World Series shot?
-
Trump campaign says he raised $45.5 million in 3rd quarter, tripling DeSantis' fundraisng
-
Lebanese army rescues over 100 migrants whose boat ran into trouble in the Mediterranean