Summary
A judge has ordered a new trial for three former Memphis police officers convicted of federal charges related to the death of Tyre Nichols. The decision was made after defense lawyers argued that the judge who oversaw their original trial was biased. The officers were previously found guilty of obstructing justice by tampering with a witness and were acquitted of state murder charges.
Key Facts
- A new trial is ordered for former Memphis officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith.
- They were found guilty in October 2024 of witness tampering in a federal case.
- The original trial judge, Mark S. Norris, recused himself due to potential bias concerns.
- Norris was believed to suspect one officer of gang involvement, affecting his impartiality.
- U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman made the decision for a new trial.
- Two other officers, Emmitt Martin and Desmond Mills Jr., pleaded guilty in the federal case.
- The case gained national attention after videos showed the officers beating Tyre Nichols.
