Tyre Nichols’ family to file civil lawsuit against city, police

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The family of Tyre Nichols plans to file a civil lawsuit against the City of Memphis, the police department and officers following his death earlier this year.

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Attorneys Ben Crump announced the plans on Monday. He said he will appear with attorney Antonio Romanucci their local counsel — retired Judge Earnestine Hunt Dorse — and members of Nichols’ family at a news conference Wednesday.

Attorneys are also suing the Memphis Police Department “for intentional infliction of emotions distress for lying to (Nichols’) mother,” according to a news release.

Nichols died on Jan. 10, three days after video released by police showed officers beating the 29-year-old with a baton, fists and feet before leaving him without medical care for about 20 minutes. Initial reports indicated that officers stopped him on suspicion of reckless driving, though Police Chief Cerelyn Davis said authorities were unable to find evidence to support that allegation.

Five officers have since been fired and charged with murder in Nichols’ death. Tadarrius Bean, 24; Demetrius Haley, 30; Emmitt Martin III, 30; Desmond Mills, 32; and Justin Smith, 28; pleaded not guilty to charges in February. Several other law enforcement officers have also been suspended or fired.

The beating prompted the Justice Department to announce plans to review the police department’s policies and procedures. A federal investigation into the incident remains ongoing.