MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Three former Memphis Police officers charged in the death of Tyre Nichols have been found guilty of obstruction of justice in the federal civil rights trial, with a verdict being reached late Thursday afternoon.
Tadarrius Bean, Justin Smith and Demetrius Haley were found guilty of obstruction for their part in the beating death of Nichols on Jan. 7, 2023.
Haley was also found guilty on charges of deprivation of rights and deliberate indifference resulting in bodily injury, as well as count three, conspiracy to obstruct justice.
All three face time in federal prison for the convictions, which will happen on Jan. 22, 2025 during a sentencing hearing.
Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills, Jr., both pled guilty to the federal charges in their involvement in Nichols' death. Martin faces a recommended prison sentence of 40 years while Mills faces a 15-year sentence.
The three ex-officers who stood trial still face state charges, including second degree murder and especially aggravated kidnapping. If convicted, the ex-officers could face up to 60 years in prison on the murder charge alone.
Here's the jail time the remaining ex-officers could face.
Tadarrius Bean and Justin Smith
Bean and Smith were both found guilty of obstruction, which carries a federal prison term of up to 20 years with fines.
There are several ways someone can be found guilty of obstruction, including attempting to coerce a juror, threatening a juror, or tampering with evidence.
Demetrius Haley
Haley was found guilty on two lesser charges of deliberate indifference and deprivation of rights resulting in bodily injury, as well as conspiracy to obstruct justice and obstruction.
In addition to the up to 20 years an obstruction charge carries, Haley could also face up to 20 years for the conspiracy charge.
The two lesser charges, deliberate indifference and deprivation of rights resulting in bodily harm, carry sentences of up to 10 years in prison.
Tyre Nichols died three days after a confrontation and beating by Memphis Police on Jan. 7, 2023.
His death sparked national outrage and attention to issues of police brutality.
The 29-year-old father loved skateboarding and photography. ABC24 learned that Nichols family said he was on his way home from taking photos of the sky on the night the traffic stop occurred.