A second former Memphis police officer is expected to change his not guilty plea on Friday in connection to alleged civil rights violations that ended in the beating death of Tyre Nichols, court documents revealed.
A change of plea hearing for former officer Emmitt Martin has been set for 2 p.m. CT in the courtroom of U.S. District Judge Mark Norris, records showed.
Back in November, another former Memphis officer, Desmond Mills Jr., changed his plea to guilty to federal charges of excessive force and obstruction of justice. The defendant agreed to cooperate with prosecutors and face up to 15 years behind bars.
The 29-year-old Nichols died in the hospital several days following a traffic stop on Jan. 7, 2023. Several Memphis police officers were recorded on cameras kicking, punching and hitting him with a baton.
The other officers — Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith — have pleaded not guilty to federal and state charges connected to Nichols’ beating death.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
