Trials of Former Officers Near Conclusion

The federal trial of three former Memphis police officers—Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith—charged with violating Tyre Nichols' civil rights, is nearing its conclusion as closing arguments are set to begin. Prosecutors allege the officers used excessive force, failed to render aid, and conspired to cover up the beating that led to Nichols' death in January 2023. The officers face life in prison if convicted. Meanwhile, in a separate case, Officer Christopher Taylor's trial for the 2019 shooting of Mauris DeSilva in Austin is also concluding with closing arguments. Taylor's defense claims he acted in self-defense during DeSilva's mental health crisis, while prosecutors argue more could have been done to de-escalate the situation. Taylor faces charges of deadly conduct, and another involved officer still faces a murder charge.