A judge has set the sentencing dates in December for five former Memphis police officers who were found guilty of federal charges in the death of Tyre Nichols in 2023. The previous judge recused himself, leading to a delay in the proceedings.
During a recent hearing, U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman announced that the sentencing for the officers would take place in the week of Dec. 15. However, she mentioned that the dates are subject to change based on pending sealed motions, including a request for a new trial for three of the individuals.
Judge Lipman indicated that she expects to rule on the pending motions by mid-September.
U.S. District Judge Mark Norris recused himself just before the scheduled sentencing, without providing a specific reason. The case was then assigned to Judge Lipman.
Subsequent to the recusal, various motions were filed under seal, including requests for a new trial by defense attorneys. The city of Memphis, its police chief, and news outlets have filed motions to unseal these documents.
In early January 2023, the officers forcibly removed Nichols from his car, subjected him to pepper spray, and used a Taser on him. Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, was subsequently beaten by the officers near his residence. The incident was recorded by a police camera, leading to significant public scrutiny.
The officers involved, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin, Desmond Mills Jr., and Justin Smith, were terminated and faced indictments in both state and federal courts.
Bean, Haley, and Smith were convicted in federal court for witness tampering in relation to covering up the incident. Haley particularly faced charges of violating Nichols’ civil rights and obstructing medical assistance.
