A sixth police officer involved in the incidents leading to the violent murder of Tyre Nichols has been fired, the Memphis Police Department said.
According to an internal police investigation, Officer Preston Hemphill was found to have violated “several department rules,” including the rules for using stun guns.
Mr. Hemphill has been suspended pending an investigation into his role in the arrest of Mr. Nichols, this was confirmed earlier this week.
A police statement released Friday said Mr. Hemphill violated the rules of “personal conduct” and “truthfulness.”
Lee Gerald, a lawyer representing Mr. Hemphill, told Reuters: “While we do not agree with this dismissal, Preston Hemphill will continue to cooperate with all authorities in the investigation into Mr. Nichols’ death.”
Mr. Nichols, a 29-year-old father, died in hospital three days after being stopped and beaten by police. First, Memphis police said he was pulled over for reckless driving and “an ambulance was called after he complained of shortness of breath” – without mentioning the brutal attack he suffered.
Camera footage released by the Memphis Police Department last week shows an officer firing a taser at Mr. Nichols after he was pulled from his car and punched.
Mr. Nichols managed to escape before being caught and severely beaten by the police. So far, five officers have been charged with murder while the investigation into Mr. Hemphill continues.
Memphis Police Chief Serelyn Davis later stated after viewing footage of the incident that they could not demonstrate a “probable reason” for Mr. Nichols’ removal.
Five officers – Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills Jr., Emmitt Martin III and Justin Smith – were taken into custody last week and each face charges of second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping. circumstances, misconduct and official suppression.
Lawyers for Mr. Martin and Mr. Mills said their clients plead not guilty.
The seventh officer was removed from his post, but his identity has not been established.
Three emergency room workers were also fired for failing to provide proper medical care to Mr. Nichols at the scene.
According to Reuters, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said other police officers, rescuers and others who prepared documentation of the incident could also face criminal charges.
The death of Tyre Nichols sparked protests and reopened the debate about police brutality in the United States. After the incident, Ms. Davis made the decision to disband the Scorpion Unit, a unit of violent crime officers.
At his funeral earlier this week, attended by US Vice President Kamala Harris, his grieving family called for justice and reform.
Source: I News
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