MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Three former Memphis Police Department officers will stand trial on state charges in the death of Tyre Nichols on April 28, 2025.
Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith face charges of second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression in state court.
The trial on the state charges was originally set for August 12, but a judge later agreed to move the state trial to after the federal trial, and a new date has not been set. The three officers will be back in court November 25 to discuss a motion to sever.
Two other former officers pleaded guilty to the federal charges and testified at the federal trial. They are expected to change their pleas on the state charges.
Emmitt Martin III pleaded guilty in August 2024 to federal charges of using excessive force and failing to intervene in the unlawful assault, and also conspiring to cover up his use of unlawful force. Prosecutors have recommended Martin be sentenced to 40 years in prison for his part in Nichols' killing. Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy expects Martin to change his plea on the state charges.
Desmond Mills Jr., pleaded guilty in early November 2023 to federal charges of excessive force and obstruction of justice. Mulroy previously said Mills also reached deal with the state to plead guilty to charges of second-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, and official misconduct. A 15-year sentencing recommendation for Mills covers both the federal and state cases.
A jury trial for the $550 million lawsuit filed by Nichols’ family against the City of Memphis is set for March 2025. Following the verdict in the federal trial, attorney Ben Crump, who represents the Nichols' family, said they “plan to go full speed ahead” on civil suit.
Nichols was beaten Jan. 7, 2023, after a traffic stop that was caught on video, and he died three days later. Nichols died of blows to his head, and the manner of death was homicide, an autopsy report released May 4 showed.
Bean and Smith were found guilty of obstruction during the federal trial, but were found not guilty on the remaining charges in the four count indictment.
Haley was found guilty of obstruction, conspiracy to commit obstruction and lesser charges of the first two counts, deprivation of civil rights and deliberate indifference resulting in serious bodily injury.
Sentencing for the federal charges is set for Jan. 22, 2025.
