New details have emerged in the investigation on the death of Tyre Nichols, a Memphis man who died after being beaten by police officers during a routine traffic stop.
According to documents filed to revoke his law enforcement certification, the Memphis police supervisor on the scene, Lt. DeWayne Smith, retired with his benefits the day before a hearing to fire him.
Smith heard Nichols say “I can’t breathe” as he was propped up against a squad car but failed to get him medical care or remove his handcuffs, according to the report.
Smith also did not wear his body camera, violating police department policy.
The attorney for Nichols’ family, Ben Crump, said the department should not have let Smith “cowardly sidestep the consequences of his actions” and retire after 25 years.
Seven other Memphis officers were fired after Nichols died following the traffic stop on Jan.7 and five of them are charged with second-degree murder. The U.S Department of Justice is currently reviewing the Memphis Police Department policies on the use of force, de-escalation strategies, and specialized units in response to Nichols’ death.
The incident has sparked community reactions, with some Memphis City Council members expressing their disappointment that an officer was allowed to retire before steps could be taken to fire them.
Nichols’ family and supporters are calling for full accountability and justice for his death. President Biden also addressed the family during the 2023 State of the Union, highlighting the urgent need to address police reform and systemic racism in the criminal justice system.
As the investigation continues, it is crucial that steps are taken to ensure police accountability and transparency in cases of police brutality.
The tragic death of Tyre Nichols serves as a painful reminder of the urgent need for systemic change in the criminal justice system to prevent further incidents of police brutality and to ensure that every person is treated with dignity and respect.
