MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Three of the former Memphis police officers who were involved in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols were convicted of lesser charges in the case that sparked outrage nationwide.
After deliberating for about six hours, jurors returned a guilty verdict Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith of witness tampering to cover up the violent beating of Nichols. Bean and Smith were acquitted of civil rights charges. Haley was acquitted of violating Nichols’ civil rights causing death, but convicted of the lesser charge of violating his civil rights causing bodily injury.
The Verdicts:
Count 1: Deprivation of rights under color of the law for excessive force
Count 2: Failure to intervene or deliberate indifference
Count 3: Conspiracy to witness tamper
Count 4: Obstructing justice through witness tamperingTadarrius Bean
Count 1: Not Guilty
Count 2: Not Guilty
Count 3: Not Guilty
Count 4: GuiltyDemetrius Haley
Count 1: Not Guilty, Guilty of lesser crime of deprivation of rights resulting in bodily injury
Count 2: Not Guilty, Guilty of lesser crime of deprivation of rights resulting in bodily injury
Count 3: Guilty
Count 4: GuiltyJustin Smith
Count 1: Not Guilty
Count 2: Not Guilty
Count 3: Not Guilty
Count 4: Guilty
The former officers face up to 20 years in prison for the witness tampering charge. The civil rights charge carries up to 10 years in prison.
All three men were taken into custody after the verdicts were read.
A hearing will be held on Monday to decide if the defendants could be released from custody until they are sentenced.
Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 22, 2025.
More on the convictions and pending sentencing.
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