Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man who was assaulted by cops in Memphis, Tennessee, last month, died as a result of their actions, and Memphis police fired a sixth officer implicated on Friday, Reuters reports.
According to Memphis Police Department, the officer named Preston Hemphill had broken departmental rules on personal behavior, truthfulness, and the use of a Taser.
The killing of Nichols, the most recent in a string of African-American victims whose murders have sparked a nationwide outrage about racial inequality and police violence, has led to the firing of five other officers, all of whom were Black, and charges of second-degree murder.
Gerald remained silent when asked if his client will also be subject to criminal charges, but he did say that his assistance with the probe “speaks for itself.”
Hemphill, a white man, and a seventh policeman had already been let go from their position, in addition to five others. Additionally, three firefighters were dismissed for failing to administer adequate emergency medical care after handcuffing Nichols.
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy has stated that more police officers, firefighters, and anyone who documented the incident may possibly face criminal charges.
After dragging Nichols out of his car during a traffic check on January 7, policemen can be seen on police video hitting him with a baton, punches, and kicks. Three days later, Tyre Nichols succumbed to the injuries and passed away.
Hemphill was wearing the body camera that recorded the first of the four recordings that were made public by the authorities, Gerald previously stated.
In the footage, Hemphill can be seen aiming what looks to be a Taser stun gun at Nichols after the man has been pulled from his car, knocked to the ground, and pepper sprayed before he manages to free himself and flee. The five cops who were ultimately fired pursued him and took part in the most brutal beatings.
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