Lawyers argue 3 former officers charged in Tyre Nichols’ death should have separate trials

Published September 15, 2023 4:51 PM

By ADRIAN SAINZ
Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Defense lawyers say three former Memphis police officers accused of fatally beating Tyre Nichols after a traffic stop should have separate trials because they have different levels of responsibility than two other former colleagues who also are charged with murder in the highly publicized case. Lawyers for Tadarrius Bean, Desmond Mills and Justin Smith have filed motions to sever their cases from Demetrius Haley and Emmitt Martin, arguing that they cannot receive fair trials if they all face a jury together for the violent beating of Nichols on Jan. 7 that was caught on police video. All five officers have pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and other state charges.

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