Tire Nichols: Sixth Memphis police officer sacked for brutal murder of father of child | American News
A sixth police officer has been sacked for his involvement in the death of Tire Nichols, who was beaten by police last month.
Mr.Nichols was left in critical condition after multiple officers punched, kicked and beat him with batons in Memphis, Tennessee, after he was arrested for reckless driving on January 7.
The 29-year-old man died three days later from his injuries.
The Memphis Police Department named the sixth officer as Preston Hemphill, saying he violated department policies on personal conduct, truthfulness and compliance with regulations regarding the use of a Taser, among other violations.
Hemphill, who is white, had already been relieved of duty along with a seventh police officer.
Lee Gerald, a solicitor representing Hemphill, said: ‘Although we do not agree with this termination, Preston Hemphill will continue to co-operate with all authorities in the investigation into Mr Nichols’ death.
The lawyer declined to say whether Hemphill would also face criminal charges, but said of his cooperation with the investigation: “That speaks for itself.”
Five black police officers have been fired and charged with second-degree murder and other crimes in the wake of Mr Nichols’ death, reigniting a national debate about race and police brutality in the United States.
Clockwise from top left: Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills Jr, Emmitt Martin III, Tadarrius Bean and Justin Smith have been sacked
CCTV and body camera footage showed them chatting and fidgeting for several minutes as the father-of-one remained on the ground, 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 medical care adequate to Mr. Nichols.
Left to right: Robert Long, Michelle Whitaker and JaMichael Sandridge. Photo: Memphis Fire Department
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy previously said other police officers, fire personnel and others who prepared documentation of the incident could also face criminal charges as more information would emerge.
In body camera footage released by Memphis police, Mr Nichols was heard shouting “mum, mum” repeatedly as he was beaten. Footage showed officers using a stun gun, baton and their fists as they beat Mr Nichols.
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“I didn’t do anything”, pleads Tire Nichols
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 he had tasered Mr Nichols and stating: ‘I hope they step on his ass.’
The officer appears to have fired a Taser stun gun at Mr Nichols after he was dragged from his car and forced to the ground and sprayed with pepper spray before breaking free and fleeing.
The five officers who were later fired pursued him and participated in the most severe beatings.
Yahoo
