In Memphis, Tennessee, a jury from outside the city will hear the trial of three former police officers charged with second-degree murder in the 2023 death of Tyre Nichols following a traffic stop. The officers, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith, have pleaded not guilty. Two other officers, Emmitt Martin and Desmond Mills Jr., who are also charged with second-degree murder, are expected to change their pleas. Prosecutors stated that the jury will come from another part of Tennessee, with the trial scheduled for April 28. Footage showed the officers pepper spraying and beating Nichols, who died three days later. All five officers were dismissed and faced state and federal charges. Nichols’ death led to national protests and a call for police reforms. A U.S. Justice Department investigation found the Memphis Police Department employs excessive force and discriminates against Black people. The involved officers were part of a now-disbanded crime suppression unit known as the Scorpion Unit. ​
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