MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A former Tennessee police officer charged in the fatal beating of Memphis motorist Tyre Nichols intends to change his not guilty plea in federal court on Friday, according to court filings.
Emmitt Martin is one of five former officers charged in Nichols’ death on Jan. 7, 2023, after he was pulled from his car and brutally beaten, then left without medical help for more than 20 minutes.
The five were indicted in September on federal charges that they deprived the 29-year-old FedEx worker and father of his rights through excessive force and failure to intervene and obstructed justice through witness tampering.
Desmond Mills Jr. pleaded guilty to the federal charges on Nov. 2 and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors who recommended a 15-year prison sentence. Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
All five also were charged in state court with second-degree murder. The state trial has been postponed until the federal proceedings are complete.
Martin was the second officer to have contact with Nichols and he assisted Haley in forcing Nichols from his vehicle after a traffic stop, according to documents filed in the case to permanently ban Martin from working as a law enforcement officer in the state.
Nichols ran from Martin and his two partners after they threated and pepper-sprayed him, but he was re-apprehended within minutes about a block away from the home he shared with his mother and step-father. At the second location, Martin kicked Nichols while he was on the ground and punched him in the face while two other officers held Nichols’ arms, according to the documents.
Police video showed Nichols calling for his mother as the officers beat him.
Video also showed the officers milling about and talking with each other after the beating as Nichols struggled with his injuries.
Nichols died in a hospital three days later. An autopsy determined he died from blows to the head and listed his death as a homicide.
Memphis’ police chief has said the department could not substantiate any reason for the initial traffic stop.
Nichols was Black. The five officers, who also are Black, were fired for violations of Memphis Police Department policies.
Martin is scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge Mark Norris on Friday to change his plea as part of an agreement with prosecutors, according to a court document filed Thursday.
Jury selection in his trial was scheduled for Sept. 9.
Former Tennessee officer, Andrew Delke, is set to change his plea in the case of Tyre Nichols’ death before the trial begins. Nichols, a 25-year-old black man, was shot and killed by Delke in July 2018 during a foot chase in North Nashville.
Delke initially pleaded not guilty to a charge of first-degree murder, but it has been reported that he will now change his plea to a lesser charge. This development comes after months of legal proceedings and public outcry over the shooting.
The case has sparked conversations about police brutality and racial bias in law enforcement. Many have criticized Delke’s actions, arguing that he used excessive force in the encounter with Nichols. The shooting also reignited debates about the treatment of black individuals by police officers and the need for accountability within law enforcement agencies.
Nichols’ family has been vocal in their pursuit of justice for Tyre, calling for Delke to be held accountable for his actions. They have expressed hope that a change in plea will bring them closer to achieving closure and holding Delke responsible for his role in Nichols’ death.
The case has garnered national attention and has become a focal point in discussions about police reform and accountability. Many are watching closely to see how the legal proceedings unfold and what impact they may have on future cases involving police use of force.
As the trial approaches, it is important to remember the significance of this case and the broader implications it holds for the criminal justice system. The outcome of this trial could have far-reaching effects on how cases of police misconduct are handled in the future and may serve as a catalyst for change within law enforcement agencies.
Overall, the decision by Andrew Delke to change his plea in the Tyre Nichols’ death case marks a significant development in a case that has sparked national debate and calls for justice. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact the trial and what implications it may have for the broader conversation surrounding police accountability and reform.
