Judge asks potential jurors if they can be fair toward 3 officers charged in Tyre Nichols’ death

Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Potential jurors in the federal trial of three former Memphis police officers charged with violating Tyre Nichols’ civil rights are being asked whether heavy media coverage and video of him being beaten to death could influence their ability to be fair. Jury selection began Monday in Memphis for the trial of Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith. Police cameras captured the 29-year-old Nichols’ fatal beating, which triggered protests and intensified calls for police reform. Two other former police officers have pleaded guilty and could testify. Nichols was pulled over in January 2023 and ran from police after he was yanked from his vehicle. Police video shows officers kicked, punched and hit Nichols with a police baton.