Three former Memphis officers acquitted in fatal beating of Tyre Nichols

Three former Memphis officers were acquitted May 7 of state charges, including second-degree murder, in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols, a death that sparked nationwide protests and prompted renewed calls for police reforms in the U.S.

A jury, which appeared to be all White, took about 8 1/2 hours over two days to find Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith not guilty on all charges after a nine-day trial in state court in Memphis. After the jury’s verdict was read, the defendants hugged their lawyers as relatives of the former officers cried. One relative yelled, “Thank you, Jesus!”

The three defendants still face the prospect of years in prison because they were convicted of federal charges last year, though they were acquitted of the most serious charges then, too.