(7 May 2025)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Memphis – 7 May 2025
1. Trial prosecution team walks up to press
++WHITE FLASH++
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Steve Mulroy, Memphis District Attorney:
“We are obviously disappointed by today’s verdict. We respect the jury’s decision, but we obviously strongly disagree with it. We in good faith brought this case and I am convinced to this day that we had compelling evidence that showed that there was proof for every element of every one of the offenses that we charged.”
++WHITE FLASH++
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Paul Hagerman, Deputy District Attorney
“As D.A. Mulroy said, we were trying the three least culpable in terms of, obviously, Mr. Martin was the primary actor and he’s entered a guilty plea. Mr. Mills, with the baton strikes, again, a primary actor, and he has entered a guilty plea, so we knew this trial would be hard. I think y’all saw us fight in there. We did the best we could, and the family, they’ve been great through this. Today’s heartbreaking to them, but they’ve been with us fighting.”
++END ON SOUNDBITE++
STORYLINE:
Three former Memphis officers were acquitted Wednesday of state charges, including second-degree murder, in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols after he ran away from a traffic stop, a death that sparked nationwide protests and prompted renewed calls for police reforms in the U.S.
A jury took about 8 1/2 hours over two days to find Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith not guilty on all charges after a nine-day trial in state court in Memphis.
The prosecution team provided the press with their reactions to the verdict outside the courtroom.
Memphis District Attorney, Steve Mulroy, expressed his disappointment, “We respect the jury’s decision, but we obviously strongly disagree with it. We in good faith brought this case and I am convinced to this day that we had compelling evidence that showed that there was proof for every element of every one of the offenses that we charged,”.
The D.A. went on to say that his office will continue to push for accountability for those who violate the law, especially members of law enforcement who are sworn to uphold it.
The family of Tyre Nichols left shortly after the verdict was called. Mulroy emphasized the need to respect the family’s privacy during this time.
Former Memphis officers Desmond Mills Jr. and Martin, who were also involved in the beating, have agreed to plead guilty to the state charges and did not stand trial under deals with prosecutors. They also pleaded guilty in federal court, where sentencing for all five officers is pending.
The absence of officers Mills and Martin may have had an impact on the results of the state trial.
“We were trying the three least culpable in terms of, obviously, Mr. Martin was the primary actor and he’s entered a guilty plea. Mr. Mills, with the baton strikes, again, a primary actor, and he has entered a guilty plea, so we knew this trial would be hard,” said Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman.
In December, the U.S. Justice Department said a 17-month investigation showed the Memphis Police Department uses excessive force and discriminates against Black people.
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