The family of Tyre Nichols and local activists gathered Thursday to protest Wednesday’s not guilty verdict against the three former Memphis police officers charged with killing him in 2023.

More than 50 residents and supporters of Frayser came together Thursday in something of a pep rally for the community following two recent episodes of gun violence. And two specific items were mentioned that could provide some encouragement for residents.

Following a not guilty verdict in the trial of three former police officers for the death of Tyre Nichols, Chief C.J. Davis said her departments is “committed to rebuilding trust and working together toward a stronger, safer Memphis for all.” 

Three former Memphis cops were found not guilty on all state charges related to the 2023 death of Tyre Nichols. This was the second time the three men had been on trial in the past year.

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“We should not have to keep witnessing this. We should not have to keep burying our sons, our brothers, our friends,” said state Sen. Raumesh Akbari. 

Attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, who represent Nichols’ family in its lawsuit against the City of Memphis, called the jury’s decision a “devastating miscarriage of justice” in a statement released to media.

During the closing remarks of the the state murder trial for the former officers, attorneys talk about the “choices” that led to the death of Tyre Nichols.

Closing arguments began Monday, May 5 in the Tyre Nichols state murder trial. 

“All parties believe this is a good resolution,” the statement said regarding the death.

Defense counsel rested Saturday, May 3, concluding proof in the Tyre Nichols state trial. 

Don Cameron, who also testified in the federal trial for the officers last year, agreed there are limitations to his testimony in that he was not present for Tyre Nichols’ initial traffic stop or later beating.

Jared Zwickey, an expert in police training, said Tyre Nichols actively resisted arrest despite repeated blows, but the kicks and punches delivered to him were excessive.

A forensic consultant and use-of-force expert offered testimony in Day 5 of the state criminal trial for the three former officers charged in the death of Tyre Nichols.

Thursday afternoon’s testimony in the trial of three former police officers charged in the death of Tyre Nichols included two witnesses: a forensic pathologist and one of the EMTs who treated Nichols on the scene.

Justin Segerson, 41, was found unresponsive at the jail Jan. 30 and was taken to Methodist University Hospital where he died the next day.

After a late start Thursday morning, May 1, the trial of three former Memphis police officers charged in the death of Tyre Nichols continued.

Officials with Memphis-Shelby County Schools and local law enforcement, who were most of the audience, held a community forum that focused on gun safety, mental health and marijuana use. 

Police arrest 18-year-old in fatal shooting of another teenager in Tom Lee Park on April 13.

The third day of the state criminal trial for three former Memphis police officers charged in the 2023 death of Tyre Nichols began Wednesday, April 30.

In a case that has parallels to the Ezekiel Kelly shootings in 2022, a man who shot at five people, wounding three, during a 25-minute rampage Saturday afternoon has been ordered to undergo a mental evaluation.

The second day of the state criminal trial for the three former Memphis police officers charged in the 2023 death of Tyre Nichols began Tuesday morning, April 29.

During her first time ever on the stand, RowVaughn Wells describes the night her son, Tyre Nichols, was beaten by former Memphis police officers. “He hugged me and said, ‘I’ll see you later.’”

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Opening statements end in Tyre Nichols trial

“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. 

“They were five Memphis police officers who were frustrated, mad and who let adrenaline overcome them,” said Shelby County Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman, lead prosecutor on the case.

Here are some observations from the state courtroom, the federal trial in September 2024 and the case overall.