In January of this year, the world learned the name Tyre Nichols. We didn’t know of him as a young aspiring photographer; but rather as the man who died after he was chased and brutally beaten by five police officers who are now facing federal indictments.
“A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging five former Memphis police officers with violating Tyre Nichols’ civil rights, resulting in Mr. Nichols’ death.” U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz said on Tuesday.
The former officers have lost their jobs and face state charges, which they’ve pleaded not guilty to on all counts.
The new federal charges allege that the officers used excessive force, purposely tried to keep their body cams away from viewing the beating, and conspired to cover it up.
Nichols’ mother, RowVaugn Wells hopes these charges will help end police brutality.
“If my son had to leave the earth in this matter, I’m hoping it was for the greater good,” Wells said sorrowfully.
Kristen Clarke, the assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, says a separate federal investigation into the Memphis police departments has been opened.
“Tyre Nichols should be alive today,” Clarke said. “No one in this country should have to bury a loved one because of police violence.”
