US: Another former Memphis officer pleads guilty in killing of Tyre Nichols

A year after the brutal beating and consequent death of Tyre Nichols in the US, another Memphis, Tennessee, Police Department (MPD) officer pleaded guilty to civil rights violations in the case. Federal prosecutorsrecommended a 40-year sentence for the police officer, Emmitt Martin, on Friday.

Emmitt Martin is the second former police officer to plead guilty in the fatal killing of Nichols, leaving three officers facing trial in US federal court next month.

Martin has pleaded guilty to civil rights and conspiracy charges arising out of the Jan. 7, 2023, incident, according to a statement by the US Department of Justice. Moreover, the judge had set a deadline, scheduled for Monday, for any plea agreements in the case.

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Nichols' mother, Row Vaughn Wells, was also present in the courtroom, and she quietly nodded her head when the judge accepted Martin's change of plea.

Ben Crump, an attorney for Nichols' family said, "The family is relieved that another officer has admitted their role in these heinous acts that killed Tyre Nichols. This is yet another crucial component to getting accountability."

What happened with Tyre Nichols?

Nichols, who died on January 10 last year, was kicked, punched and hit with a police baton after a traffic stop. The officers, in their defence, said they pulled Nichols over because he was driving recklessly, however, Police Chief Cerelyn "CJ" Davis said that no evidence was found to support the allegation.

Later on January 27, police released a video showing five officers beating Nichols as he yelled for his mother about a block away from the home they shared.

According to an autopsy report, Nichols died from blows to the head, adding that the manner of death was homicide. It further described brain injuries, cuts and bruises to the head and other parts of the body.

Another ex-officer pleaded guilty

In November 2023, former Memphis officer Desmond Mills Jr also pleaded guilty, with prosecutors recommending a 15-year prison sentence for Mills.

Moreover, both Mills and Martin could be called to testify against the final three, including Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith, who have also been charged with federal civil rights violations and have pleaded not guilty.

"The remaining three defendants will face a federal trial scheduled for September 9," the US Department of Justice stated.

Watch |Tyre Nichols death: Horrifying video of beating released, President Biden says 'outraged and pained'

Further, the sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 5, when a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering US Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

(With inputs from agencies)