Context:

The jury is deliberating the case involving three former Memphis police officers, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith, who are charged with second-degree murder and other offenses in the death of Tyre Nichols. Nichols died after being beaten by officers following a traffic stop in January 2023, which was caught on camera and led to nationwide protests and calls for police reform. The officers, part of the disbanded Scorpion Unit, are accused of using excessive force and failing to intervene or provide medical assistance. Two other officers involved, Desmond Mills Jr. and Emmitt Martin, have pleaded guilty to state and federal charges. The defense argues that Nichols resisted arrest and the use of force was within police policies, while prosecutors emphasize the officers' duty to stop the beating and their criminal responsibility for each other's actions.

Dive Deeper:

• The jury in the trial of three former Memphis officers charged with the death of Tyre Nichols is from outside Shelby County due to concerns of biased publicity, and is deliberating charges including second-degree murder, aggravated assault, and official misconduct.

• Tyre Nichols was subjected to a violent beating by five officers after fleeing a traffic stop where he was initially pepper-sprayed and hit with a Taser, leading to his death from blunt-force trauma three days later.

• Footage from a police camera revealed the officers talking and laughing after the beating, and the incident sparked nationwide protests and heightened scrutiny of police practices, particularly in Memphis.

• Defense attorneys argue that Nichols actively resisted arrest and the force used was within departmental policies, while prosecutors assert that the officers failed in their duty to intervene and prevent abuse.

• Two of the involved officers, Desmond Mills Jr. and Emmitt Martin, have already pleaded guilty to state and federal charges and are awaiting sentencing, whereas the remaining officers await the jury's decision.

• The trial follows a U.S. Justice Department investigation that found the Memphis Police Department uses excessive force and discriminates against Black people, highlighting systemic issues within the department.

• Defense lawyers highlight that Nichols had unauthorized credit and debit cards in his car, suggesting a motive for his attempt to flee, while prosecutors point out the officers' violent comments and actions during the incident.