Two Shelby County, Memphis Deputies Placed On Leave After Release Of Tyre Nichols Video
Two Shelby County deputies were placed on leave after the release of video on Friday evening (Jan. 27) of the deadly beating of Tyre Nichols after the Sheriff expressed concern about their presence in the footage.
According to local Memphis outlet ABC 24, Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner said in a statement that investigators are trying to determine the deputies’ involvement on scene and if any policies were violated.
“Having watched the videotape for the first time tonight, I have concerns about two deputies who appeared on the scene following the physical confrontation between police and Tyre Nichols,” the statement reads. “I have launched an internal investigation into the conduct of these deputies to determine what occurred and if any policies were violated. Both of these deputies have been relieved of duty pending the outcome of this administrative investigation.”
The brutal beating of Nichols was captured by street and body camera footage and released by the city of Memphis on Friday evening (Jan. 7) in four separate sections, with a disclaimer of graphic imagery.
Nichols died three days later in a local hospital as a result of his injuries.
The five officers — Demetrius Haley, Tadarrius Bean, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr., and Justin Smith — have been fired and charged with second-degree murder in the case of Nichols.
President Joe Biden issued a statement on Friday night, following the release of body cam footage:
RELATED: Video Footage Illustrates Vicious, Extremely Violent Beating Of Tyre Nichols By Memphis Police
“My heart goes out to Tyre Nichols’ family and to Americans in Memphis and across the country who are grieving this tremendously painful loss. The footage that was released this evening will leave people justifiably outraged. Those who seek justice should not to resort to violence or destruction. Violence is never acceptable; it is illegal and destructive. I join Mr. Nichols’ family in calling for peaceful protest.”
A pending investigation of two Memphis Fire Department employees is also underway in regard to their care of Nichols during the January 7 encounter. They have been relieved of duties, ABC 24 reports.
