The mother of a US motorist who died after being allegedly beaten by police said five accused officers “disgraced their own families”.
tire nichols29, died in hospital three days later confrontation after traffic stops in Memphis, TennesseeJanuary 7th.
tire nichols
Body camera footage of the brawl is expected to be released tonight.
Five fired police officers, all black, have been charged with second-degree murder and other offenses including battery, kidnapping, officer misconduct and officer oppression in connection with Mr Nichols’ killing.
Mr Nicols’ mother, Row Vaughn Wells, said: “I would like to say to the five police officers who killed my son that you are dishonoring your family as well.
“But I will be praying for you and your family. Because this shouldn’t have happened. We want justice for my son.”
She also said she hadn’t seen the video, but urged anyone with children not to let them watch it.
“I’ve never seen the video, but what I heard was horrific,” she added.
From the top row: Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills, Jr, Emmitt Martin III, Justin Smith and Tadarrius Bean have been fired
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said the “altering” preceded an “altere” after police pulled over Mr Nichols for allegedly reckless driving and officers pepper-sprayed him spray.
He added that Mr Nichols then tried to flee on foot and another altercation ensued.
Police beat him and his injuries in the encounter resulted in his death, his family said.
FBI Director Christopher Wray said the footage capturing Mr Nichols’ confrontation with police was shocking.
“What happened in Memphis is obviously tragic. I’ve seen the video myself and I will tell you I was shocked,” he said.
After the video became public, Mr Wray and US Attorney General Merrick Garland urged a peaceful and non-violent response.