Three former Memphis police officers have been found guilty of witness tampering in connection with the fatal beating of Tyree Nichols during a January 2023 traffic stop. The officers—Teddarius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justice Smith—were convicted of attempting to cover up their actions, while Haley was also found guilty of violating Nichols' civil rights by causing bodily injury, a lesser charge 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 incident where Nichols was fatally assaulted after fleeing a traffic stop. Following the verdict, Nichols' father expressed relief, stating, \"this is justice. It was a long time coming.\" The three officers now face state murder charges.

Thaddeus Johnson, a criminal justice professor and former Memphis police officer, commented on the verdict, noting the importance of tailoring charges to the specific crimes committed. He emphasized that while the officers are responsible for their actions, their behavior reflects broader issues within policing, including officer wellness and the metrics used to evaluate police performance.

Johnson highlighted the need for police reform, arguing that the current focus on arrests as a primary metric undermines community engagement and public safety. He called for a cultural shift within police departments to prioritize community relations over punitive measures. He also stressed that accountability for police misconduct must be enforced at all levels, indicating that federal oversight may be necessary to ensure justice is served.