Former Memphis police officers granted new trial

Three former Memphis police officers who were convicted on federal charges related to the beating death of unarmed Black motorist Tyre Nichols have each been granted a new trial. U.S. District Judge Sheryl Lipman on Thursday ordered the new trials after finding that another judge held communications with federal prosecutors without defense lawyers present, giving the appearance of possible bias. While finding that all of Judge Mark Norris’ rulings were “deliberate and searching” and that all of them were consistent with the law, Lipman said a new trial was needed to “satisfy the appearance of justice.” The same three officers who have been granted a new federal trial were acquitted of second-degree murder and all other charges in a state trial earlier this year Police video showed that five Black officers kicked, punched, pepper-sprayed and struck Nichols with a baton as he cried out for his mother on January 7, 2023. Nichols, 29, an avid skateboarder, photographer