Three former Memphis police officers were acquitted of state charges, including second-degree murder, in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, after he ran away from a traffic stop in 2023. The jury deliberated for about eight-and-a-half hours over two days before finding Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith not guilty on all charges following a nine-day trial in Memphis. While the defendants were cleared of state charges, they still face the possibility of prison time as they were convicted of federal charges the previous year.

Nichols died three days after the beating, which was captured on police pole camera footage. The incident sparked nationwide protests and intensified calls for police reform in the US, particularly in Memphis, a majority-Black city. Prosecutors argued that the officers used excessive force in trying to handcuff Nichols and failed to intervene to stop the beating or inform medical personnel of the extent of Nichols’ injuries.

Former officer Desmond Mills Jr., involved in the incident, testified against his colleagues. Mills admitted to hitting Nichols with a police baton but expressed regret for not intervening to prevent the fatal outcome. Defense attorneys countered by suggesting Nichols was resisting arrest and under the influence of drugs, while also claiming that the officers’ actions were in line with police protocols.

The case highlighted broader issues within the Memphis police department, with a recent Justice Department investigation revealing a pattern of excessive force and discrimination against Black individuals. The acquittal of the officers has reignited discussions around police accountability and the need for systemic reform in law enforcement practices.