The Memphis Police Department announced Friday that it has fired a sixth officer from the force following a further investigation into the death of Tire Nichols last month.
Officer Preston Hemphill “violated multiple department policies,” the police department’s statement said, including those related to “personal conduct” and “honesty.”
Nichols, a 29-year-old Black father, died in hospital after being beaten by several officers on January 7 in Memphis, Tennessee, in a confrontation that began with a traffic stop. Five officers were fired Jan. 20 and charged with second-degree murder and aggravated assault, among other charges. The subsequent release of video from police body cameras and other footage fueled tensions over brutal police tactics.
Hemphill, who is white, joined the Memphis department in 2018. News of his firing came days after the department said he had been relieved of duty but did not disclose Hemphill’s role in Nichols’ arrest.
The Memphis Police Department confirmed Friday that “multiple” officers are still being investigated for their involvement in the arrest.
“Updates on other actions will be available in the coming days,” the department added.
Earlier this week, the Memphis Fire Department announced that it had also fired three employees in connection with Nichols’ death. Two emergency medical technicians and a lieutenant had responded to the scene of Nichols’ arrest on January 7.
So far, only five people — former Memphis police officers Desmond Mills, Justin Smith, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Emmitt Martin — have been charged. However, the Shelby County district attorney’s office indicated earlier this week that it is considering bringing charges against additional people and continuing to investigate what happened the night of the beating of Nichols.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.