Former Memphis Officer Testifies in Trial of Colleagues Accused in Fatal Beating of Tyre Nichols

Former Memphis police officer Emmitt Martin III testified in federal court on Monday, shedding light on the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols by five officers during a traffic stop. Nichols, who posed no threat to the police, was violently apprehended by the officers, leading to his tragic death in January 2023.

Martin, who has pleaded guilty in the case and is now testifying against his former colleagues, revealed that the officers used excessive force and failed to intervene as Nichols was pepper-sprayed, hit with a stun gun, and ultimately beaten just steps from his home. The officers, members of the disbanded Scorpion Unit, justified their actions by exaggerating Nichols’ behavior and engaging in witness tampering.

During the trial, Martin described how Nichols was pulled out of his car without explanation, passively resisting the officers’ conflicting commands. Despite Nichols’ non-aggressive behavior, the officers continued to use force against him, leading to his tragic death three days later.

The prosecution argued that the attack on Nichols was a form of punishment for attempting to run away, known as a “run tax” in police slang. Martin admitted that his team would use force against individuals if they exaggerated their actions during an arrest, a violation of police policy.

The defense attempted to challenge officer training practices and policies, questioning the distinction between active and passive resistance. Lt. Larnce Wright, who trained the officers, testified about the use of force and handcuffing techniques, highlighting the officers’ failure to follow proper procedures.

Nichols’ autopsy report revealed that he died from blows to the head, leaving behind a young son. The five officers are facing charges of second-degree murder in state court, with Mills and Martin expected to change their pleas. The trial continues as the community seeks justice for Nichols and calls for police reform.