A former Memphis police officer testified that he punched Tyre Nichols multiple times while two colleagues held his arms during a traffic stop that turned fatal. The incident occurred on January 7, 2023, when Nichols was pulled over and subsequently assaulted by officers Tadarrius Bean, Justin Smith, and Demetrius Haley. The officers have pleaded not guilty to charges of excessive force, failure to intervene, and obstruction of justice.
The officers, along with two others, were fired after Nichols' death, which was captured on police video and later led to federal charges. Two officers, including the testifying former officer, have taken plea deals and are now cooperating with authorities.
