State trial begins for Memphis officers facing murder charge in Tyre Nichols' beating death
A state trial started Monday for the three former Memphis police officers charged in the death of Tyre Nichols, who grew up in Sacramento.It's a case that has garnered national attention. The three former Memphis police officers, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith, are accused of beating Nichols after a traffic stop two years ago. It was all caught on camera.Nichols' death a few days later spurred national protests calling for police reforms. Opening statements are underway. Nichols' family has said they will be at the state trial Monday but will not make any statements until after the trial ends.The officers face second-degree murder charges.The defendants have pleaded not guilty in this state trial, but they were already convicted of federal charges last year and could face years in jail.Nichols lived in Sacramento until 2020 and still has some family members in the area. Since his death, the Sacramento City Council renamed the Regency Community Skate Park after him.He had a love for skateboarding, and childhood friends of his who spoke with KCRA 3 in 2023 said they shared many memories at the skate park now named in his honor.The trial could last up to two weeks. Two other officers also have been charged in connection to Nichols' death but will not stand trial with their former colleagues. Sentencing for all five officers in the federal case will happen after the state trial. more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
