Key takeaways:
- Five former Memphis police officers were indicted on federal civil rights violations in the death of Tyre Nichols.
- The officers have also been charged with second-degree murder in state courts.
- If convicted, they could face up to life in prison.
Five former Memphis police officers were indicted Tuesday on federal civil rights violations in the death of Tyre Nichols. The four-count indictment charges each of them with deprivation of rights under the color of law through excessive force and failure to intervene, and through deliberate indifference; conspiracy to witness tampering, and obstruction of justice through witness tampering.
The charges come nine months after the violent beating of Nichols, who died in police custody in August 2019. The officers have also been charged with second-degree murder in state courts.
At a court hearing Tuesday, the family of Tyre Nichols spoke out. “This is just the beginning of it all,” said his mother, Tawanna Nichols. “We’re going to keep fighting until justice is served.”
The family’s attorney, Bruce Kramer, said the federal indictment is a “significant step” in the fight for justice. “It’s a recognition that the officers’ actions were wrong and that they need to be held accountable,” he said.
The five officers are scheduled to appear in court on April 27. If convicted, they could face up to life in prison. The family of Tyre Nichols is hoping for a conviction and justice for their son.
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