In a riveting development surrounding the controversial death of Tyre Nichols, five former officers of the Memphis Police Department are being indicted with murder charges. This extensive legal proceeding was anchored by one of them, Desmond Mills Jr., agreeing to plead guilty to federal and state charges in a negotiation with prosecutors.
Mills, a 33-year-old former police officer, accepted guilt for his involvement in two out of the four federal accusations brought against him. This verdict was brought forth by the US Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee. Mills also conceded to plead guilty to charges tied to Nichols’ death at a future state court hearing, as confirmed by the district attorney of Shelby County.
The charges, related to violation of civil rights and conspiracy, include excessive force, neglecting to intervene, and an attempt to conceal his use of unlawful force. As the prosecution laid the groundwork for the case, Mills is anticipated to testify against his former colleagues and counterparts. His cooperation doesn’t cease there, he has also agreed to work closely with the ongoing federal civil rights exploration into the behavioral patterns and practices of the Memphis Police Department.
In exchange for his testimony and cooperation, Mills’ state and federal cases will be resolved. His four ex-colleagues on trial, Tadarrius Bean, Justin Smith, Emmitt Martin III, and Demetrius Haley, have all staunchly pleaded not guilty.
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy hinted in a press conference that both state and federal prosecutors will propose a 15-year prison sentence for Mills to the judge overseeing the case. However, the final decision lies in the hands of the judiciary. Both Nichols family and their legal representation have expressed support for the plea deal.
Nichols’ demise around ten months ago, a young black man who succumbed to injuries following a brutal beating by Memphis police officers, stirred up protests and reignited debates on policing and racial profiling across the nation.
Following internal investigations, Memphis police sacked five officers owing to their violation of several departmental policies, including excessive use of force, failing to intervene, and neglecting duty to render aid.
Horrifying footage from body cameras and surveillance video showcases the officers beating a restrained Nichols senselessly, providing contradiction to their version of events. The footage validates that Mills utilized his pepper spray and a baton on Nichols, neglected to provide aid or inform paramedics after the attack, and submitted a erroneous account of the force applied in his report.
The implicated five officers face various charges in the Tennessee court, including murder, assault, and kidnapping, along with federal indictments of civil rights, conspiracy, and obstruction offenses resulting in Nichols’ death. Some of these charges carry a maximum penalty of a life sentence.
Mills, having initially pleaded not guilty to the federal charges, was released on bond pending a jury trial set for May 2024.
