Five former Memphis cops charged with the murder of Tire Nichols are expected to appear in court.
Video footage captured by police bodycams and CCTV was shown Mr. Nicholsa black man, beaten by officers following a traffic stop.
He died of his injuries.
The case has renewed calls for police reform in the US, with lawyers for Mr Nichols’ family calling the episode the latest example of systemic problems with police culture and generations-old racism.
Five officers involved, who have since been fired from law enforcement, face a variety of charges including kidnapping and second-degree murder.
Nichols tires
At an arraignment hearing in Memphis today, the charges against Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr, Justin Smith, Demetrius Haley and Tadarrius Bean will be read and the men will be given an opportunity to file a plea deal.
A sixth officer was fired from the Memphis Police following the incident for his role in the episode. Preston Hemphill was among the officers who stopped Mr Nicholsalthough he was not present at the second location where the beating occurred.
In the bodycam footage, Hemphill is seen pressing his taser into Mr. Nichols’ leg and threatening to use the weapon. As Tire escapes, the taser is deployed and Hemphill is heard saying, “I hope they step on his ass.”
To know more:
The Memphis Police officer shared photos after the beating
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“I didn’t do anything,” Tire Nichols pleads
A solicitor for Mr Nichols’ family says Hemphill should also be charged for his role in the events leading up to his death.
Lawyer Antonio Romanucci told Sky News: “Preston Hemphill, I think, should be charged.
“Despite the fact that he wore a uniform, badge and shield and was legally entitled to carry a weapon, you are not allowed to use force when no one is using it against you.
“There is no evidence that Tire posed a threat to him or anyone in the vicinity and, if this is correct, Preston Hemphill used disproportionate and unlawful force and therefore would be criminal.”
