A federal judge has recused himself from presiding over the case of the five former Memphis police officers charged in the 2023 death of Tyré Nichols. 

U.S. District Judge Mark Norris recused himself from the case late Friday afternoon, according to court records. 

Norris has presided over the case since the officers were first indicted in federal court in September 2023. He also oversaw the trial for three of the former officers last year, which saw each of them convicted on at least one count.

The case has now been reassigned to Chief Judge Sheryl Lipman.

Former cop convicted in Tyré Nichols case gets sentencing date delay

It’s unclear why Norris recused himself. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee declined to comment Friday.

Norris’ recusal comes just days before four of the former officers are set to be sentenced for their federal convictions. 

Justin Smith and Tadarrius Bean, who were convicted on one count each of obstruction of justice for witness tampering last year, are set to be sentenced June 16. They both face up to 20 years in prison.

Demetrius Haley, the only one convicted of all four charges he was facing, is set to be sentenced June 17. He faces up to 60 years in prison. 

Desmond Mills Jr., who pleaded guilty in November 2023, was set to be sentenced next week but had his sentencing delayed to June 23. Prosecutors are recommending 15 years in prison to be served concurrently on both his state and federal charges.

Former cop convicted in Tyré Nichols case wants sentencing date delayed

Emmitt Martin III, who also pleaded guilty prior to last year’s trial, is set to be sentenced June 18 but asked Norris before his recusal for that to be delayed. A new date has not been set. Prosecutors are recommending 40 years on his federal charges.

It’s unclear how Norris’ recusal will affect the sentencing dates.