A second former Memphis police officer is expected to enter a not guilty plea Friday in connection with alleged civil rights violations that ended in Dyer Nichols’ death, court documents revealed.
A change of plea hearing for former officer Emmitt Martin is set for 2 p.m. CT in U.S. District Judge Mark Norris’ courtroom, records show.
In November, another former Memphis officer, Desmond Mills Jr., pleaded guilty to federal charges of excessive force and obstruction of justice. The defendant agreed to cooperate with prosecutors and commuted to 15 years in prison.
Nichols, 29, died on Jan. 7, 2023, several days after a traffic stop at the hospital. Several Memphis police officers were caught on camera kicking, punching and beating him with batons.
The other officers — Thaddeus Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith — pleaded not guilty to federal and state charges related to Nichols. He was black. All five officers, who are black, were placed on administrative leave before they were eventually fired.
Nichols’ killing was one of several deadly confrontations in the early 2020s that shone a new light on police use of force against black people. His name is often mentioned in the same breath as George Floyd, Brona Taylor and Dante Wright.
Officers allegedly pulled Nichols over for reckless driving, but Memphis police later said there was no evidence to support the stop.
Nichols fled on foot, and when officers caught up with him, the teenager was a block away from where his mother and stepfather lived.
The video shows him being kicked in the head and attacked by goons for calling his mother.
This is a growing story. Check back for updates.
