Photo: Lucy Garrett / Stringer via Getty Images
  /  03.24.2023

Today (March 24), the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission voted to decertify ex-cops Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin, and Justin Smith after their alleged involvement in the brutal beating and death of Tyre Nichols, The Associated Press reported.

A fourth officer, Desmond Mills, decided to surrender his certification, which was granted by the Tennessee panel. With the decertification, all four former authority members will no longer be allowed to work in law enforcement within the state. They have 30 days to appeal the decision.

On Jan. 7, Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, was handcuffed and repeatedly punched and kicked by officers after he was pulled over by authorities during a traffic stop in Memphis. He died from his injuries three days later. After news of Nichols’ senseless killing spread across the country, the City of Memphis revealed they were launching an internal investigation. On Jan. 15, the Memphis Police Department stated that ex-cops Haley, Martin, Smith, Mills, and Tadarrius Bean were placed on leave. Bean has not yet had his decertification hearing before the state panel.

Those five former members of law enforcement were charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct, and official oppression after bodycam footage of Nichols’ assault was released. In February 2023, they appeared at the Shelby County Criminal Court and pleaded not guilty.

Earlier this month, the City of Memphis completed its internal investigation. They released an additional video showing the circumstances surrounding Nichols’ assault. It included audio of what transpired after authorities attacked Nichols and after he was taken to the hospital. 

From the investigation, 13 MPD employees, including those previously mentioned, were charged with policy violations concerning Nichols’ beating and death. Four members of the Memphis Fire Department were also accused of policy violations. On March 8, the same day that the COM closed its investigation, the Department of Justice announced they were launching a review of Nichols’ case.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

View More

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

View More

Trending

B. Simone vs. Desi Banks | 'Receipts'

On this episode of “Receipts,” Desi Banks puts his friendship with comedian and entrepreneur B. Simone to the test when they battle it out to guess contestant Darrius’ hidden talent. Presented by Walmart.

  /  05.16.2023

Desi Banks vs. Eric Bellinger | 'Receipts'

Get ready for “Receipts,” the all-new game show brought to you by REVOLT and Walmart where contestants battle it out to reveal a Black and Unlimited shopper’s hidden talent from clues on their shopping receipt! For the premiere, host Desi Banks goes three rounds with the one and only Eric Bellinger. Watch!

 

 

  /  05.09.2023

B. Simone and Desi Banks go head-to-head on “Receipts” game show

After a few pleasantries, Desi Banks and B. Simone dived right into the first round of gameplay – and it was hilarious from beginning to end.

  /  05.16.2023

Eric Bellinger stars in premiere episode of REVOLT’s new game show “Receipts”

REVOLT and Walmart are spotlighting everyday Black shoppers with unexpected talents on the new show.

  /  05.09.2023
View More