A sixth police officer has been fired over his involvement in the death of Tire Nichols, who was beaten by police last month.
Mr. Nichols He was left in critical condition after several officers punched, kicked and hit him with a nightstick in Memphis, Tennessee after he was pulled over on reckless driving charges on Jan. 7.
The 29-year-old died three days later of his injuries.
A photo of Tire Nichols at his funeral in Memphis. photo: AP
The Memphis Police Department named the sixth officer as Preston Hemphill, saying he had violated the department’s policies on personal conduct, truthfulness and compliance with regulations regarding the use of a Taser, among other violations.
Hemphill, who is white, was previously relieved of duty along with a seventh police officer.
Lee Gerald, a solicitor representing Hemphill, said: “Even if we disagree with this resolution, Preston Hemphill will continue to cooperate with all authorities in the investigation into Mr Nichols’ death.”
The lawyer declined to comment on whether Hemphill also faces criminal charges, but said of his cooperation with the investigation: “That speaks for itself.”
Five black police officers were fired and charged with second-degree murder and other felonies in the death of Mr. Nichols, which has reignited a national debate about police and racial brutality in the United States.
Clockwise from top left: Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills Jr, Emmitt Martin III, Tadarrius Bean and Justin Smith were fired
CCTV and video camera footage showed them chatting and hanging around for several minutes while the father of one remained down, but there were other authorities at the scene.
Last week, the Memphis Fire Department said it fired two emergency medical technicians and an emergency vehicle driver after an investigation found they failed to provide adequate medical care to Mr. Nichols.
From left: Robert Long, Michelle Whitaker and JaMichael Sandridge. Pictured: Memphis Fire Department
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy earlier said other police officers, fire personnel and others who prepared the incident’s paperwork could also face criminal charges as more information emerges.
In bodycam footage released by Memphis Police, Mr. Nichols was heard yelling “mama, mama” several times while being beaten. The footage showed the police officers using a stun gun, baton and their fists as they punched Mr. Nichols.
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“I didn’t do anything,” Tire Nichols pleads
Hemphill’s attorney said his client was wearing the body camera that captured the first of four videos released by authorities.
During the initial stop, Hemphill can be heard saying that he tasered Mr. Nichols and declaring, “I hope they step on his ass.”
The officer allegedly shot a Taser stun gun at Mr. Nichols after he was dragged out of his car and forced to the ground and pepper sprayed before he broke free and ran away.
The five officers who were later fired chased after him and participated in the most severe beatings.
