There are 130 article(s) tagged Tyre Nichols:

• March 2023

  • City Council votes on police reform serve as backdrop for larger debate

    Memphis City Council members could take final votes Tuesday, March 6, on a set of six police reform ordinances. The proposals are surrounded by a debate about crime in Memphis.

    By Bill Dries March 07, 2023

  • Morris: We can’t let fear rule the day

    “We create the ability to live with our fears by knowing that the goodness of life follows us on the journey.”

    By G. Scott Morris March 05, 2023

  • SCORPION traffic stop data shines a light on the former unit

    The Nichols case has intensified the national debate on using highly aggressive tactics to battle violent crime and the pretexts that are often used. Most of the stops identified and mapped out by The Daily Memphian were made in the most impoverished areas of the city.

    By Ben Wheeler March 02, 2023

• February 2023

  • Tyre Nichols’ death could cost Memphis taxpayers millions

    The expected civil lawsuit in the Tyre Nichols case means taxpayers could pay a significant sum. 

    By Samuel Hardiman February 23, 2023

  • Strickland releases statement, confirms Friday release of Tyre Nichols video

    Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland, in his first video statement on the Nichols incident said the city and Memphis Police Department must work to “regain the public’s trust.”

    By The Daily Memphian Staff February 22, 2023

  • Former SCORPION supervisor had troubled past

    Memphis Police Department commanders gave Lt. Dewayne Smith a sensitive assignment — overseeing members of the controversial SCORPION unit — despite a checkered past that included giving unreliable testimony in a federal drug case.

    Related story:

    Additional Nichols’ video could be released, city attorney says

    By Marc Perrusquia February 22, 2023

  • Police reform ordinances clear second reading at City Council

    The council also tabled any action on a special-use permit for the Live Lounge, the scene of a shooting Sunday that killed one and injured at least 10.

    By Bill Dries February 21, 2023

  • Additional Nichols’ video could be released, city attorney says

    City Chief Legal Officer Jennifer Sink says disciplinary hearings for the last four officers cited for violating police policy should conclude Wednesday, Feb. 22. and video may be released to the public along with other officers’ records.

    By Bill Dries February 21, 2023

  • City council weighs special-use permit for Whitehaven bar after Sunday shooting

    The owner of the Whitehaven bar that was one of two connected shooting scenes where a total of 13 people were shot — one of whom died — Sunday, Feb. 19, is before the Memphis City Council Tuesday, Feb. 21, seeking a special-use permit to allow the sale of alcoholic beverages.

    Related story:

    Arrest made in Whitehaven shootings

    By Bill Dries February 20, 2023

  • Civic leaders call for Justice Department inquiry into MPD

    Twenty-three Memphis leaders say the death of Tyre Nichols indicates deeper problems with the police department, and criticizes Mayor Jim Strickland’s administration.

    Related stories:

    Five officers indicted in Tyre Nichols' death plead not guilty to murder

    Ex-SCORPION officers transferred to MPD’s Organized Crime Unit

    By Bill Dries February 18, 2023

  • Crump: Personal connection between Nichols, police ‘untrue’

    Attorney Ben Crump called rumors of any personal connection between Tyre Nichols and any of the officers charged in his death ‘bogus,’ noting similar reports manifested after the killings of George Floyd and Botham Jean.

    By Samuel Hardiman, Julia Baker February 18, 2023

  • Five officers indicted in Tyre Nichols’ death plead not guilty to murder

    All five defendants — Tadarrius Bean, 24; Demetrius Haley, 30; Emmitt Martin III, 30; Desmond Mills Jr., 32; and Justin Smith, 28 — posted bail within two days of being booked. 

    By Julia Baker February 17, 2023

  • Ex-SCORPION officers transferred to MPD’s Organized Crime Unit

    Though SCORPION already was affiliated with MPD’s larger Organized Crime Unit, all 35 of those officers were transferred to other parts of OCU.

    By Marc Perrusquia February 17, 2023

  • City Council Scorecard: Tracking the latest police reform proposals

    The Council Scorecard looks at a set of two resolutions and six ordinances the Memphis City Council approved at its Feb. 7 meeting. 

    By Bill Dries February 15, 2023

  • Some national media predicted a Memphis crime surge. Will it happen?

    The data is nuanced, and it’s difficult to tell what the long-term effect might be. 

    Related story:

    Artists paint mural of Tyre Nichols in North Memphis

    By Samuel Hardiman February 15, 2023

  • Artists paint mural of Tyre Nichols in North Memphis

    The mural appears on the wall of the Steve A. Castle House of Rhythm and Blues near Hein Park and was commissioned by the club’s owner, Steve A. Adams.

    By Jasmine McCraven February 14, 2023

  • ‘Tosca’ at Opera Memphis a memorable performance — and a timely one

    Ned Canty’s staging of “Tosca” and the ensemble’s excellent musicianship made this an experience to remember in this first-class drama that was evocatively sung. It was particularly timely as well.

    By Žak Ozmo February 14, 2023

  • County Commission Scorecard: Tyre Nichols, green fleet goals and more

    This Commission Scorecard covers calls at the Feb. 6 meeting for police reform in the wake of the death of Tyre Nichols and the political clash with protesters and activists who pushed for more than resolutions.

    By Bill Dries February 14, 2023

  • Preston Hemphill had two reprimands prior to joining MPD’s SCORPION

    Hemphill, who joined the SCORPION Unit in October 2022, had been on the unit for about three months before Tyre Nichols’ fatal encounter with him and other SCORPION officers. 

    By Julia Baker February 13, 2023

  • Questionable arrests by SCORPION unit now face dismissal

    With credibility on the line for members of the Memphis Police Department’s now-disbanded SCORPION unit, attorneys anticipate mass dismissals of criminal cases filed against citizens arrested by the unit.

    By Marc Perrusquia February 13, 2023

  • Former MPD Officer Demetrius Haley took photos of Tyre Nichols after beating

    Demetrius Haley is one of six officers who have been fired from the police department and one of five who have been charged with second degree murder and other charges related to the death of Nichols. 

    Related stories: 

    Alleged victim of SCORPION unit files $5M lawsuit against city, MPD officers

    More MPD officers under investigation in Nichols’ death

    By Julia Baker February 13, 2023

  • Data-driven policing at forefront of discussions over Memphis police tactics

    Memphis is re-evaluating its policing tactics, including the use of data-driven special units like SCORPION, in the wake of the Tyre Nichols death. 

    By Ben Wheeler February 13, 2023

  • President of firefighters union defends department in Tyre Nichols case

    The head of the union representing city firefighters defended the department’s employees in a letter to City Council members. 

    By Samuel Hardiman February 11, 2023

  • Attorneys for Nichols family seek United Nations response

    The appeal also called for the sixth officer identified and fired in the beating of Nichols to face criminal charges.

    By Bill Dries February 10, 2023

  • Tom Lee Park’s Sunset Canopy dedicated to Tyre Nichols

    The dedication was prompted by photos Nichols took in the park, including of sunsets on the river that the canopy overlooks.

    By Bill Dries February 10, 2023