Tire Nichols: Sixth Memphis cop fired over father’s brutal killing | US News

A sixth police officer has been fired for his involvement in the death of Tire Nichols, who was beaten by police last month.

mr nichols He was pulled over on suspicion of reckless driving on Jan. 7 and was left in critical condition after several officers punched, kicked and beat him with batons in Memphis, Tennessee.

The 29-year-old succumbed to his injuries three days later.

Photo of Tire Nichols at his memorial service in Memphis.Photo: Associated Press
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Photo of Tire Nichols at his memorial service in Memphis.Photo: Associated Press

The Memphis Police Department named the sixth officer Preston Hemphill, saying he violated department policies regarding personal conduct, honesty and compliance with regulations regarding the use of Tasers.

Hemphill, who is white, was previously dismissed along with the seventh officer.

Lee Gerrard, a lawyer representing Hemphill, said: “While we disagree with this termination, Preston Hemphill will continue to cooperate with all authorities investigating the death of Mr Nichols.”

The lawyer declined to comment on whether Hemphill would also face criminal charges, but said of his cooperation with the investigation: “That speaks for itself.”

Five black police officers have been fired and charged with second-degree murder and other crimes over Mr Nichols’ death, reigniting a national debate in the US over race and police brutality.

Clockwise from top left: Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills Jr, Emmitt Martin III, Tadarrius Bean and Justin Smith have been fired
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Clockwise from top left: Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills Jr, Emmitt Martin III, Tadarrius Bean and Justin Smith have been fired

CCTV and body camera footage showed the father of one child chatting and moving around for several minutes while the father remained on the ground, but other authorities were at the scene.

Last week, the Memphis Fire Department said it fired two emergency medical technicians and an emergency vehicle driver after an investigation found they failed to provide adequate medical care to Mr. Nichols.

From left: Robert Long, Michelle Whitaker and Jamichael Sandridge.Photo: Memphis Fire Department
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From left: Robert Long, Michelle Whitaker and Jamichael Sandridge.Photo: Memphis Fire Department

Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy previously said other police officers, fire department personnel and others who prepared documents about the incident could also face criminal charges as more information becomes available.

In body camera footage released by Memphis police, Mr Nichols repeatedly screamed “Mum, Mummy” as he was beaten. Video shows police beating Mr Nichols with a stun gun, batons and fists.

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Three emergency workers fired for responding to Tire Nichols

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‘I didn’t do anything’, pleads Tire Nichols

Hemphill’s attorney said his client had been wearing a body camera that captured the first of four videos released by authorities.

At the initial stop, Hemphill can be heard saying he tasered Mr Nichols and declared: “I want them to step on his ass.”

The officer appeared to fire a taser at Mr Nichols after he was dragged from his car and forced to the ground and doused with pepper spray before he broke free and fled gun.

Five officers, who were later dismissed, pursued him and took part in the worst beatings.

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