A former Memphis police officer who hit Tyre Nichols with a stun gun during a traffic stop that preceded Nichols’ brutal beating by other officers won’t be charged criminally, a prosecutor said Tuesday.
Nichols’ slaying was one in a string of violent encounters between police and Black people that have spurred protests and renewed debate about police brutality.
Five officers were charged with second-degree murder in Nichols’ death and his family has sued the officers and the city of Memphis.