Three Ex-Memphis Officers Convicted of Witness Tampering

Three former Memphis police officers were convicted of witness tampering and obstruction of justice in the 2023 beating death of Tyre Nichols, though they were acquitted of the more severe civil rights charges that could have resulted in life sentences. Demetrius Haley was found guilty of violating Nichols' civil rights by causing bodily injury, while Tadarrius Bean and Justin Smith were cleared of similar charges. The officers' actions, captured in graphic video, sparked widespread outrage and calls for police reform after Nichols died from blunt force trauma. Family members expressed relief at the convictions, highlighting the importance of accountability in law enforcement. Two other officers had earlier pleaded guilty and testified against their former colleagues, revealing that Nichols posed no real threat during the incident. The officers now face potential prison sentences of up to 20 years for their convictions.