3 ex-Memphis police officers found not guilty of state charges in Tyre Nichols’ beating death

Three former Memphis police officers were acquitted of state charges in the death of Tyre Nichols, who was beaten to death two years ago. Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith were found not guilty of second-degree murder, aggravated assault, kidnapping, and official misconduct. Two other officers, Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills, plan to plead guilty to state charges. The jury deliberated for nine hours before reaching their decision. The district attorney expressed surprise at the verdict but respected the jury’s decision. Civil-rights attorneys representing Nichols’ family criticized the outcome as a miscarriage of justice. The officers were fired after the incident and were convicted of obstruction in a federal trial.