Sanford: Family of Tyre Nichols deserves justice for a fun-loving son
Attorney Ben Crump (middle) leads RowVaughn Wells, (right) mother of Tyre Nichols into a press conference on Monday, Jan. 23, after they watched the video of her son’s encounter with Memphis police officers during traffic stop that led to his death. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian)
Otis Sanford
Otis Sanford is professor emeritus of Journalism and Strategic Media at the University of Memphis and political commentator for WATN-TV ABC24 News. Contact him at o.sanford@memphis.edu. Follow him on Twitter @otissanford.
Memphians, who already feel beleaguered by violent crime that at times seems out of control, must now come to grips with the fact that elements within the police department — however small — are partakers of criminal violence themselves.
Topics
Otis Sanford Tyre Nichols Memphis Police Department excessive force complaints police brutality Subscriber OnlyThank you for supporting local journalism.
Subscribers to The Daily Memphian help fund our not-for-profit newsroom of nearly 40 local journalists plus more than 20 freelancers, all of whom work around the clock to cover the issues impacting our community. Subscriptions - and donations - also help fund our community access programs which provide free access to K-12 schools, community organizations, and more. Thank you for making our work possible.
Related stories
MPD officers under investigation following man’s traffic stop death
Tyre D. Nichols, 29, was injured following a confrontation with officers around 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, near Raines and Ross roads in southeast Memphis.
Attorney Ben Crump, Tyre Nichols’ family review ‘appalling,’ ‘heinous’ video
“What we saw, regrettably it reminded us of the Rodney King video,” attorney Ben Crump said. “Unlike Rodney King, Tyre didn’t survive.” Officer involved in Tyre Nichols’ death previously accused of brutality Two MFD personnel relieved of duty after Tyre Nichols incidentRelated story:
Tyre Nichols suffered ‘extensive bleeding,’ independent autopsy reports
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump said he hired the same pathologist in this case as he did in the case of George Floyd, whose family he also represented. Memphis City Council looks at police reforms in wake of Tyre Nichols’ deathRelated coverage:
Want to comment on our stories or respond to others? Join the conversation by subscribing now. Only paid subscribers can add their thoughts or upvote/downvote comments. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.