On 7 January, tragedy struck the city of Memphis when 29-year-old Tyre Nichols was brutally beaten to death by Memphis police officers following a traffic stop. Seven officers were fired, five of them charged with second-degree murder. Lt. DeWayne Smith, the Police Supervisor who responded to the scene, retired with benefits the day before he was to be fired for his role in the incident.
Investigations into the incident have shown that Smith, who was present when Nichols was beaten, had heard him say “I can’t breathe”, but failed to get him medical attention or remove his handcuffs. Smith also told Nichols' family he was driving under the influence, despite no evidence to support a charge. Smith had then assumed without evidence that Nichols was on drugs or drunk, and video captured him telling Nichols, ” You Did Take Something”.
The incident has sparked outrage from Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the family, and called on the Memphis police and officials to do everything in their power to hold Smith accountable. It has also prompted local rallies in support of Nichols and his family, the latest taking place at the Rev. The headquarters of Al Sharpton's National Action Network in Al Sharpton.
Rowvaughn Wells, Nichols’ mother, recounted how officers banged on her door on Jan. She had asked 7 to tell her Nichols had been arrested for driving under the influence and asked if he was on any medication or had taken drugs because he had “superhuman strength” and had recently become the father to a 5-year-old son.
The tragic death of Tyre Nichols has sparked an outcry for justice and accountability in Memphis and his family hopes that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.