The Memphis police supervisor on scene when Tyre Nichols was beaten to death by officers retired with his benefits the day before a hearing to fire him, according to documents filed to revoke his law enforcement certification. Lt. DeWayne Smith was identified Friday in records obtained by media outlets as the officer that officials said … Read more
Transgender people in Tennessee would be prevented from changing their driver’s licenses and birth certificates under legislation approved by Republican senators Monday. The legislation, which still must clear the House chamber, would define male and female in state law and base people’s legal gender identities on their anatomy at birth. Legislative officials have warned that … Read more
A seventh Memphis Police Department employee has been fired for his role in the fatal arrest of Tyre Nichols, while an eighth police employee retired before it was recommended he lose his job for his part in January’s events — which have reignited the national discussion over race and policing, the city’s chief legal officer … Read more
A former Memphis Fire Department emergency medical technician told a Tennessee board Friday that officers “impeded patient care” by refusing to remove Tyre Nichols ‘ handcuffs, which would have allowed EMTs to check his vital signs after he was brutally beaten by police. Robert Long, whose license was suspended for failing to give aid to … Read more
A Black man having a psychotic episode died in custody last fall after Memphis jailors punched, kicked and kneeled on his back during a confrontation, according to a video released this week by a Tennessee prosecutor. The Nashville District Attorney’s Office released video Thursday of Gershun Freeman, 33, at the Shelby County Jail in Memphis, … Read more
A 15-year-old boy and a 21-year-old man have been indicted in the carjacking and fatal shooting of a prominent United Methodist Church leader in Memphis, Tennessee, prosecutors said Tuesday. Miguel Andrade, 15, and Eduard Rodriguez-Tabora, 21, were each indicted on charges of first-degree murder and especially aggravated robbery in the July 18, 2022, death of … Read more
Some Shelby County Comissioners said Wednesday that they’ve had enough of long lines for tag renewals and other business at the county clerk’s office. Commissioners voted 12-to-1 to appoint a special advisor for the clerk’s office to address ongoing issues like long lines and hiring more staff. The contracted advisor would find solutions and report … Read more
Shelby County leaders on Wednesday – voted to study reparations for descendants of enslaved people, adding to a growing number of local and state government’s that are considering similar programs. The Shelby County resolution will allocate $5 million to study and find “actionable items” addressing five key areas: increased access to affordable housing and homeownership, … Read more
An 11 year old Memphian has been arrested 9 times in the past two months for charges including carjacking, theft, burglary and robbery. Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis spoke to the city council on Wednesday, regarding how the police department must be able to work with the Shelby County Juvenile Court to tackle juvenile crime. … Read more
A second man has been charged with participating in a Memphis shooting at a nightclub that left one person dead and 10 others injured. Ladarious Marion, 21, fired the rifle in the shootings and was arrested Monday on charges of murder, attempted murder and employment of a weapon during a dangerous felony, news outlets reported, … Read more