Three former Memphis police officers have been found guilty of witness tampering in connection with the fatal beating of Tyree Nichols, which occurred during a traffic stop in January 2023. The officers—Tedarius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justice Smith—were convicted for attempting to conceal their actions during the incident. Haley was also found guilty of violating Nichols' civil rights by causing bodily injury, although this charge was a lesser offense than initially indicted. Bean and Smith were acquitted of civil rights charges.

The trial, which lasted three weeks, featured extensive evidence, including police body cam and surveillance footage of the encounter that led to Nichols' death. Following the verdict, Nichols' father expressed relief and satisfaction, stating that the family felt a sense of justice after a long wait.

The three officers still face state murder charges related to the incident. Thaddeus Johnson, a criminal justice professor and former Memphis police officer, commented on the verdict, noting that it reflects the court's intention to tailor punishments to the specific crimes committed. He emphasized that while the officers are responsible for their actions, the context of their behavior must also be considered, including issues related to officer wellness and the police department's internal processes.

Johnson highlighted the need for systemic changes within law enforcement, suggesting that the actions of the officers did not occur in isolation and that broader issues, such as mental health support for officers and the criteria for promotions, must be addressed to prevent future incidents of police violence.