‘They were looking to suppress crime': Opening statements end in Nichols trial

By , Daily Memphian Updated: April 28, 2025 4:38 PM CT | Published: April 28, 2025 4:38 PM CT

“The facts here are a tragedy … but a tragedy does not mean a homicide,” said Michael Stengel, who represents one of the former police officers charged in the beating death of Tyre Nichols. 

Topics

Tyre Nichols Tyre Nichols trial
Aarron Fleming

Aarron Fleming

Once an intern, he never left, joining the staff full-time in 2022 as an education reporter. He moved to public safety in 2023, where he covered some of the city’s biggest court cases, including the criminal trials for those charged in the deaths of Tyré Nichols and rapper Young Dolph. He also chronicled the Shelby County Jail and the deaths that have occurred at the facility.

He now provides suburban coverage, focusing on Desoto County and the surrounding municipalities.

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