What's next for the now-convicted former MPD officers charged in Tire Nichols' death?

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – We may soon learn when the state trial might take place for the former Memphis police officers charged with second-degree murder in the violent killing of Tire Nichols.

Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy set a deadline of Oct. 24 could be when the trial date is set.

The 19-day federal trial ended Thursday with a mixed verdict against Justin Smith, Tadarrius Bean and Demetrius Haley – but they were all convicted of witness tampering.

“We all saw officers take Tire Nichols into custody and then beat him to death,” said District Attorney Mulroy. “These are serious allegations and we will do everything we can to ensure justice is served in this case.”

Now that the federal trial is over, prosecutor Mulroy said justice means more convictions for the officers, this time at the state level.

“All five officers have the same allegations. [The] The top charge is second-degree murder, and then there are lower charges,” Mulroy said.

Former officers Smith and Bean face a maximum of 20 years in prison. Officer Haley could face up to 30 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of conspiracy, obstruction and more.

They are all scheduled to be sentenced on their federal charges in January.

Former officers Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills Jr., also charged in the case, had previously pleaded guilty and both testified against their former colleagues during the federal trial.

Martin will be sentenced on December 5, 2024. Mills' sentencing date is currently unknown.

Her testimony was part of her plea deal in hopes of a shorter sentence, even though federal prosecutors are recommending a prison sentence of up to 40 years for Martin and up to 15 years for Mills.

“The separate state charges could actually join the federal charges, which in turn could be decided by the judge,” said prosecutor Mulroy.

Local civil rights attorney Van Turner said he was shocked by the verdict.

“Ultimately, justice means Tire is here,” Turner said. “They were convicted of the cover-up, but not of what they allegedly covered up.”

Local attorney Michael Working said it can be difficult to prosecute cases involving law enforcement.

“I think so [policing] “It's a tough job, in the middle of the night, in a city that can be very dangerous, and jurors tend to give officers the benefit of the doubt,” Working said.

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