MEMPHIS, Tenn. –– Nationally renowned civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci issued a statement in response to the verdicts reached in the federal trial of the officers responsible for the death of Tyre Nichols. All three officers, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith have been found guilty of witness tampering. Haley was acquitted of violating Nichols’ civil rights causing death, but convicted of the lesser charge of violating his civil right causing bodily injury, in addition to obstruction of justice and conspiracy to cover up unlawful use of force. Bean and Smith were acquitted of all civil rights charges.
Attorneys Crump and Romanucci released the following statement:
“Today, justice has prevailed for Tyre Nichols and his family. The guilty verdicts reached today send a powerful message that law enforcement officers who commit crimes will be held accountable under the law. Tyre’s family is relieved that all three officers were found guilty and taken into custody for their loved one’s death. Tyre should be alive today, and while nothing can bring him back, today’s guilty verdicts bring a measure of accountability for his senseless and tragic death.
“We hope this moment serves as a reminder that our fight for justice for Tyre is far from over. We will continue to push for justice in the state criminal case and the civil case, so that no family has to endure this kind of heartache again. Our thoughts are with Tyre’s family as they continue to navigate this painful journey.”
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ABOUT BEN CRUMP LAW
Through his work, nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump has spearheaded a legal movement to better protect the rights of marginalized citizens. He has led landscape-changing civil rights cases and represented clients in a wide range of areas including civil rights, personal injury, labor and employment, class actions, and more. Ben Crump Law is dedicated to holding the powerful accountable. For more information, visit bencrump.com.