Five fired police officers face murder charges in the death of TyreNichols, a motorist beaten in a confrontation with Memphis police. Now officials across the country urge calm as video of the beating is set to be released. Tonight at 11 from ABC7
Nichols' stepfather Rodney Wells told ABC News earlier this week that they are seeking a first-degree murder charge, but Mulroy told press that he met with the family about the charges brought today and "expedited" the investigation.
MPD announced this week that other officers in the department are under investigation for department violations as well. In this photo provided by WREG, Tyre Nichols' stepfather Rodney Wells, right, holds a photo of Nichols in the hospital after his arrest, during a protest in Memphis, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. According to the department, the officers violated policies for use of force, duty to intervene and duty to render aid. "The news today from Memphis officials that these five officers are being held criminally accountable for their deadly and brutal actions gives us hope as we continue to push for justice for Tyre," Nichols' family attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci said in a statement. "This young man lost his life in a particularly disgusting manner that points to the desperate need for change and reform to ensure this violence stops occurring during low-threat procedures, like in this case, a traffic stop." This announcement comes after MPD Chief Cerelyn "CJ" Davis released a statement including that the five officers were "directly responsible for the physical abuse" of Nichols and that the video footage of the incident was "heinous, reckless and inhumane." "I expect our citizens to exercise their first amendment right to protest, to demand action and results, but we need to ensure our community is safe in this process. None of this is a calling card for inciting violence or destruction on our community or against our citizens," Davis said.Authorities have warned law enforcement agencies of the reaction that may transpire when the official video footage is released. Tennessee Sheriff's Association President Jeff Bledsoe sent out a letter to Jonathan Thompson, the National Sheriffs' Association Executive Director/CEO, on Wednesday anticipating the public reaction to the video's release. "Due to the nature of the video's contents it is believed it may spark responses outside of the traditional protests," the letter read. "There is a public safety risk potential to communities and peace officers expanding outside of the Shelby County TN area." After being pulled over for "reckless driving" on Jan. 7, Nichols was involved in an altercation with Memphis officers that led to him being hospitalized in critical condition after complaining of shortness of breath during the arrest. Three days later, Nichols died. According to a preliminary independent autopsy commissioned by Nichols' family and released by attorneys, Nichols suffered from "extensive bleeding caused by a severe beating."The incident also continues to be investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice. ABC News' Armando Garcia, Josh Margolin, Stephanie Wash and Whitney Lloyd contributed to this report.
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