The state criminal trial for three of the five former Memphis police officers accused of fatally beating Tyre Nichols in 2023 has commenced in Memphis.
Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith Jr. are facing charges that include second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct, and official oppression. The trial began on April 28, with all three defendants pleading not guilty to the charges.
Two other officers accepted plea deals before a federal trial last year and will not be part of this state trial, although they may testify.
The out-of-town jury, composed of nine women and six men from Hamilton County, Tennessee, is predominantly white. They will remain sequestered for the duration of the trial.
Shelby County Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman, in his opening statement, highlighted the severe injuries sustained by Nichols, emphasizing that he was "torsionally" injured, akin to injuries from a car crash.
Hagerman asserted that Nichols, 29 at the time of his death, was not a victim of a car wreck but was beaten to death by the five Memphis police officers. The defense argued that the officers, while not monsters, were responsible for Nichols' death.
The trial will delve into evidence related to the case, including a photo of Nichols taken by Haley post-beating, showcasing his injuries. The prosecution and defense will present their arguments based on the evidence at hand.
Throughout the trial, emotional testimonies and legal arguments will shed light on the events leading to Tyre Nichols' tragic death, offering insights into the complex legal proceedings and emotional impact on the victim's family.