Memphis police fired six officers involved in the death of Tire Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man who was beaten by officers in the city of Tennessee last month.
The Memphis Police Department identified the officer as Preston Hemphill, saying Hemphill violated the department’s policies on personal conduct, honesty, and regulatory compliance regarding Taser use, among other violations.
Five other officers, all black, had previously been fired and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of Nichols, the latest in a series of African-American deaths that have fueled a national debate over race and police brutality.
“While we disagree with this termination, Preston Hemphill will continue to cooperate with all authorities in the investigation into the death of Mr. Nichols,” Lee Gerald, a lawyer representing Hemphill, said by phone.
Gerald declined to comment on whether his client would also face criminal charges, but said of his cooperation with the investigation: “That speaks for itself.”
Hemphill, who is white, and the seventh officer had previously been relieved of duty. Three members of the fire department were also fired for failing to provide proper emergency medical care after Nichols was handcuffed.
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said other police officers, fire personnel and others who documented the incident could also face criminal charges as more information becomes available.
Police video of the event shows officers kicking, punching and beating Nichols with a baton after pulling him out of the car during a traffic stop on January 7. Nichols died of his injuries three days later.
Hemphill was wearing a body camera that captured the first of four videos released by authorities, Gerald said earlier.
In the video, Hemphill is seen firing a Taser stun gun at Nichols after Nichols has been dragged from the car, forced to the ground and doused with pepper spray before breaking free and running away. The five officers who were then fired chased after him and engaged in the heaviest beating.
Source: Reuters
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