Two fired police officers in Nichols case post bond
Defense attorney Blake Ballin looks at fellow attorney Bill Massey during a Jan 26, 2023 press conference. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian)
At least two of the officers in the Tyre Nichols case have posted bond just hours after being booked in the Shelby County Jail at 201 Poplar Ave.
Desmond Mills Jr. posted a $250,000 bond Thursday, Jan. 26.
Justin Smith, whose legal representative was not immediately known, also posted a $250,000 bond Thursday.
Charges were filed Thursday against Tadarrius Bean, 24; Demetrius Haley, 30; Emmitt Martin III, 30; Mills, 32; and Smith, 28.
The five officers have all been charged with second-degree murder, acting in concert of aggravated assault, two aggravated kidnapping charges, two official misconduct charges and official oppression, according to court records.
Defense attorney Blake Ballin is representing Mills and defense attorney Bill Massey is representing Martin. Both attorneys addressed the media Thursday, Jan. 26.
“No one out there that night intended for Tyre Nichols to die. No one,” Massey said.
Tyre Nichols
• Tyre Nichols died Jan. 10, days after being injured during an incident with Memphis police officers, Jan. 7.
• Chants of could be heard outside the National Civil Rights Museum Jan. 16, as mourners of Tyre Nichols call for action from the Memphis Police Department.
• Family, friends and coworkers attend the memorial service for Tyre Nichols, remembering his “free spirit” and love for skateboarding.
• On Jan. 18, the U.S. Attorney’s Office opened a civil rights investigation into the death of Tyre Nichols.
• The Daily Memphian reports Jan. 23 that one of the Memphis police officers fired in connection with Tyre Nichols’ death was previously accused of police brutality.
• After viewing the bodycam footage with the Nichols family on Jan. 23, civil rights attorney Ben Crump calls the video “appalling” and “heinous.”
• Tyre Nichols suffered “extensive bleeding,” according to results from an independent autopsy done by a pathologist hired by the Nichols’ family legal representatives.
• The Daily Memphian reports Jan. 25 the officers terminated in connection to Tyre Nichols’ death were affiliated with SCORPION, a Memphis Police Department special unit.
• Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis orders an investigation of all specialized police units Jan. 25, as she said that more police officers are under investigation than the five who were fired following the death of Tyre Nichols.
• On Jan. 26, charges were filed against the police officers fired in connection with the death of Tyre Nichols.
• Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy announces the date for the video of the incident between Tyre Nichols and police officers.
• Charges are filed against the five Memphis police officers fired in connection with the death of Tyre Nichols.
• On Thursday, Jan. 26, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland confirms the city will release the police video recording of the Tyre Nichols incident sometime Friday, Jan. 27, after 6 p.m.
• On Thursday, Jan. 26, attorneys for the family of Tyre Nichols released a letter calling for an end to law enforcement units like the Memphis Police Department’s SCORPION unit.
• After winning his 100th game Jan. 26, Memphis Tigers head coach Penny Hardaway stressed positivity about the tragedy. “For my city, because this is where I’m from, I’m always about love.”
• A vigil was held at Tobey Skate Park for Tyre Nichols by his friends, family, mourners and a few of his fellow skateboarders.
Martin’s bond was set at $350,000, according his attorney. Both Mills and Martin intend to plead not guilty to the charges.
Ballin and Massey held the joint press conference Thursday after Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy announced the charges.
The press conference was held at Ballin, Ballin & Fishman PC’s Downtown Memphis office, 200 Jefferson Ave.
Ballin and Massey said they had not yet seen police video footage of the incident.
“We are concerned, not only as a lawyer for my client’s safety but for this community and the frustration that exists in this community,” Ballin said.
Mulroy said the City of Memphis would release the video of the incident between Nichols and police officers after 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27. Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland confirmed that with his own statement Thursday.
“We’ve all seen videos where there is police brutality,” Ballin said. “We’re urging the public to reserve judgment.”
Massey also said he believes the case should be tried in Shelby County.
Ballin said it could be “a couple of weeks” for arraignment. “Don’t expect a court hearing tomorrow,” he said.
Massey said each officer is required to have his own individual attorney.
Defense attorney Mike Stengal is representing Demetrius Haley. He did not join Ballin and Massey for the press conference.
Alicia Davidson contributed to this story.
Julia Baker
A lifelong Memphian, Julia Baker graduated from the University of Memphis in 2021. Other publications and organizations she has written for include Chalkbeat, Memphis Flyer, Memphis Parent magazine and Memphis magazine.
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