During the trial of former Memphis police officers charged with second-degree murder for the death of Tyre Nichols, prosecutors described how the officers, motivated by adrenaline and frustration, fatally beat Nichols after he fled a traffic stop in 2023. Video evidence showed the officers using pepper spray, a Taser, and physical force on Nichols, who later died from blunt force trauma, as they failed to inform medical personnel of his head injuries. The incident, captured near Nichols' residence, sparked national protests and intensified demands for police reform. Defense attorneys argued that officers were responding to a high-risk situation, with some claiming their clients only used necessary force and sought medical aid. The officers, part of a disbanded crime suppression unit, face multiple charges, and the trial has been moved to a different county due to public attention and concerns over jury impartiality.

Three former Memphis police officers are on trial for second-degree murder, accused of fatally beating Tyre Nichols after he ran from a traffic stop, with prosecutors suggesting their actions were fueled by frustration and adrenaline.

Video evidence presented during the trial shows the officers using pepper spray, a Taser, and physical assaults on Nichols, who was restrained, beaten, and suffered blunt force trauma, leading to his death three days later.

The incident, which occurred near Nichols' home, was captured on a police camera, leading to widespread national protests and calls for police reform, focusing attention on the practices of the Memphis police force.

Defense attorneys argued that the officers were responding to a high-risk situation after Nichols fled and resisted arrest, asserting that their clients acted within the bounds of their duties and sought medical aid for Nichols.

The trial, moved to Hamilton County due to concerns over impartiality given the case's publicity, involves multiple charges against the officers, including aggravated assault and official misconduct, with some already facing federal convictions related to the incident.

Two other officers involved in the case are expected to change their not guilty pleas, and sentencing for all five officers on federal charges will follow the state trial.

The officers, part of the now-disbanded Scorpion Unit, a specialized crime suppression team, were initially fired and charged after the incident, with some pleading guilty to federal charges related to civil rights violations and witness tampering.