Key takeaways:
- Five former Memphis police officers pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and other charges in the violent arrest and death of Tyre Nichols.
- Judge James Jones Jr. asked for everyone’s “continued patience” as the case could “take some time.”
- The next hearing is scheduled for May 1, and the court will continue to monitor the case as it progresses.
On Friday, five former Memphis police officers pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and other charges in the violent arrest and death of Tyre Nichols. Judge James Jones Jr. addressed the courtroom, asking for everyone’s “continued patience” as the case could “take some time.”
The officers were charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression. They were fired after an internal police investigation into the Jan. 7 arrest of Nichols, who died in a hospital three days later.
Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills Jr., Emmitt Martin III and Justin Smith made their first court appearances with their lawyers before a judge in Shelby County Criminal Court. Their next hearing has been scheduled for May 1.
Judge Jones Jr. reminded the courtroom that the case could take some time to resolve, and asked for everyone’s patience. He also urged the defendants to remain in contact with their lawyers and to stay in the area.
The case has been closely watched by the public, and the officers’ lawyers have said they are confident that their clients will be exonerated. The next hearing is scheduled for May 1, and the court will continue to monitor the case as it progresses.
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