Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD/ MEMPHIS: Five former Memphis police officers charged with murder over the death of Tyre Nichols have pleaded not guilty in their first court appearance.
According to the BBC, Tadarrius Bean, Desmond Mils Jr, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, and Justin Smith were involved in the arrest of Nichols on January 7.
They were dismissed from service after an internal investigation by the Memphis Police Department. Nichols’ death sparked protests against police brutality across the United States.
A judge confirmed the five defendants pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault, official misconduct, and official oppression.
Judge James Jones asked for patience as the lawyers built their cases.
“This case may take some time,” he said as the defendants stood before him alongside their lawyers at the Shelby County Criminal Court.
He said, “We do ask for your continued patience and civility in that case.”
Nichols’ mother, RowVaughn, spoke to reporters outside the court and reflected on seeing the former officers in person. She said, “they did not even dare to look at me in my face.”
She said she would attend every court date until “she gets justice for her dear son”.
“Memphis and the whole world need to see that the right is done in the case, and it needs to happen sooner rather than later,” lead prosecutor Paul told reporters.
The former police officers, dressed in suits and wearing black face masks, stood silently beside their attorneys during the brief hearing.
Plead not guilty
None of the defendants spoke. Their lawyers confirmed not-guilty pleas when asked by the judge.
The ex-police officers were arrested and taken into custody on January 26 after the Memphis police reviewed bodycam footage of the violent arrest.
In the footage, 29-year-old Nichols was heard calling for his mother as police officers beat him after being pulled over for alleged reckless driving.
He was pepper-sprayed, punched, and kicked by the officers and died in the hospital three days later.
Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis said the incident was “not just a professional failing” but also “the failing of basic humanity toward another individual”.
