On May 7, 2025, a Tennessee jury acquitted three former Memphis police officers—Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith—of all state charges, including second-degree murder, in the 2023 death of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man. The verdict has sparked widespread outrage and intensified demands for comprehensive police reform across the United States.
Nichols died three days after a violent encounter with five Memphis police officers during a traffic stop on January 7, 2023. Video footage showed officers punching, kicking, and using a baton on Nichols while he was restrained and calling out for his mother. The incident led to nationwide protests and renewed scrutiny of police practices.
While acquitted on state charges, the three officers had previously been convicted in federal court for witness tampering. Haley was also found guilty of violating Nichols’ civil rights. Sentencing for these federal convictions is pending.
Livil rights leaders have condemned the acquittals, emphasizing the urgent need for national police reform. CNAACP President Derrick Johnson stated, “Tyre and his family deserve true justice—not only in the courtroom but in Congress, by passing police reform legislation once and for all.”
Reverend Al Sharpton, who spoke with Nichols’ family, expressed their outrage and called for continued pursuit of justice through the pending federal sentencing.
Nichols’ family has filed a $550 million civil lawsuit against the five officers, the city of Memphis, and the police chief. A federal investigation concluded that the Memphis Police Department routinely used excessive force and engaged in racial discrimination
