MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) — Chief U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman has granted a new trial for three former Memphis police officers convicted in federal court for their roles in the death of Tyre Nichols, citing concerns over judicial bias that arose after a series of behind-the-scenes events during and after the trial.
Lipman’s order, filed Thursday, grants new trials for Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith, who were among the five former officers charged in Nichols’ death. Nichols died three days after being beaten during a January 7, 2023, traffic stop, a case that sparked national outrage and led to murder charges in both state and federal court.
Two of the former officers, Desmond Mills Jr. and Emmitt Martin III, previously pleaded guilty to federal charges and are not