This story was updated on May 27, 2025, with the correct spelling of Tyré Nichols name.
During closing arguments of the federal criminal trial for three of the five former Memphis police officers charged with fatally beating Tyré Nichols, RowVaughn Wells was again faced with her son being brutalized on screen. More than three weeks into the trial, and with the videos of her son’s traumatic final moments having played over and over again, Wells bent forward, head lowered, not looking at the footage.
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At her side, State Rep. Justin Pearson wrapped an arm around her shoulder. On her other side sat Angelina Paxton, a longtime friend of Nichols. One row back, Kareem Ali, an investigator for attorney Ben Crump, stretched a hand forward to rest on Wells’ shoulder.
In the end, all five officers involved in Nichols’ death either pleaded or were found guilty of crimes related to the beating and its cover-up.
Two of the former officers that stood trial – Tadarrius Bean and Justin Smith – were only convicted of witness tampering for trying to cover-up the beating; they both were acquitted on the more serious civil rights charges. Only Demetrius Haley was convicted of violating Nichols’ civil rights by causing bodily harm (a lesser charge that absolves the officer from causing his death), witness tampering and for conspiring to hide their actions.
Nichols’ family didn’t let the mixed verdict get them down. “A win is a win,” Rodney Wells, Nichols’ stepfather, told The Associated Press outside the courtroom. “They’re all going to jail.”
The case brought by federal prosecutors is only the first in a series of legal proceedings stemming from Nichols’ death. The officers convicted this week will be sentenced in January.
Meanwhile, state prosecutors are also preparing a criminal case. The city of Memphis is facing a civil suit filed by the Wells’ seeking $550 million. The United States Department of Justice has also launched a pattern or practice investigation of the Memphis Police Department.
Throughout this pursuit for accountability, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism will explore the limitations of our legal system to bring justice and healing to those harmed. By maintaining our commitment to centering our reporting on those most affected, we stand in solidarity with Tyré Nichols’ family, friends and community.
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