Tyre Nichols was a 29-year-old Black man whose death after a brutal police beating in Memphis sparked national outrage and renewed calls for police reform. On January 7, 2023, Nichols was stopped by officers and violently assaulted just minutes from his home. He died three days later from his injuries. His story, captured on shocking bodycam footage, led to protests across the country and multiple legal battles for the officers involved.
Find out more about him below.
Who Is Tyre Nichols?
Nichols was a 29-year-old Black man known for his gentle spirit and creative passions. Originally from Sacramento, California, he relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, before the COVID-19 pandemic. Nichols worked at FedEx and lived with his mother and stepfather. He was an avid skateboarder and photographer, often capturing sunsets and landscapes.His personal website, “This California Kid,” showcases his artistic vision. Friends and family remember him as a kind, creative soul with a deep love for life.
What Happened to Tyre Nichols?
On January 7, 2023, Nichols was pulled over by Memphis police officers for alleged reckless driving, an accusation later deemed unsubstantiated by the department. After attempting to flee on foot, he was caught and brutally beaten by five officers near his home. The assault, captured on body camera footage, showed officers punching, kicking, and striking Nichols with a baton while he cried out for his mother. He was hospitalized and died three days later from his injuries. The incident sparked nationwide protests and intensified demands for police reform.
Tyre Nichols’ Trial Verdict
On May 7, 2025, three former Memphis police officers—Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith—were acquitted of all state charges, including second-degree murder, in connection with Nichols’ death. Despite graphic video evidence of the beating, the jury found them not guilty, leading to widespread outrage and calls for justice. Previously, in federal court, Haley was convicted on multiple counts, including civil rights violations, while Bean and Smith were found guilty of obstruction of justice. Two other officers involved, Desmond Mills Jr. and Emmitt Martin III, pleaded guilty to both state and federal charges and await sentencing. The case has prompted a federal investigation into the Memphis Police Department, revealing systemic issues such as excessive force and racial discrimination.