The Memphis, Tennessee, Police Department (MPD) officer who killed Tyre Nichols a year prior entered a guilty plea to violating Nichol’s civil rights. The police officer, Emmitt Martin, has been urged by federal prosecutors to serve a 40-year term. Three cops will go on trial in US federal court next month after Emmitt Martin, a former police officer, entered a guilty plea in connection with the violent death of Nichols.
An announcement from the US Department of Justice states that Martin has entered a guilty plea to conspiracy and civil rights charges stemming from the Jan. 7, 2023, incident. In addition, the court had given all parties involved in the case until Monday to reach a plea deal. In the courtroom was Row Vaughn Wells, the mother of Nichols, who nodded subtly when the judge approved Martin’s change of plea.
“The family is relieved that another officer has admitted their role in these heinous acts that killed Tyre Nichols,” said Ben Crump, the family’s attorney. This is only one more essential element in obtaining accountability.”
Following a traffic stop, Nichols, who passed away on January 10 of last year, was kicked, punched, and struck with a police baton. Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis refuted the officers’ defense, stating that no proof was uncovered to back up their claim that they pulled Nichols over for reckless driving. Police later released a video on January 27 that showed five officers striking Nichols while he was screaming for his mother a block away from their shared house.
An autopsy report stated that Nichols was killed by blows to the head and that this was the cause of death. It went on to detail head traumas, wounds, and bruises, among other body areas. Desmond Mills Jr., a former Memphis police officer, entered a guilty plea in November 2023. Prosecutors suggested that Mills serve 15 years in prison. Furthermore, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith—the final three—who have all been charged with federal civil rights offenses and entered not guilty pleas—may call Mills and Martin as witnesses.
On September 9, a federal trial for the remaining three defendants is planned, according to the US Department of Justice. The federal district court judge will also examine additional statutory elements and the US Sentencing Guidelines when determining the appropriate punishment during the scheduled December 5 sentencing hearing.
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