Judge Orders Retrial for Three Ex-Memphis Officers Convicted in Tyre Nichols’ Beating Amid Bias Allegations Against Previous Judge

A federal judge has ordered a retrial for three ex-Memphis police officers convicted of obstructing justice through witness tampering in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols. The ruling comes after defense lawyers argued that the initial presiding judge exhibited bias against the officers.

U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman issued the order for a fresh trial for Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith, who were found guilty in October 2024. The trio was accused of obstructing justice in the death-by-beating of Nichols following a traffic stop escape.

Two other officers, Emmitt Martin and Desmond Mills Jr., also faced charges, but they pleaded guilty prior to the federal trial.

Judge Lipman assumed jurisdiction over the case in June, after the original presiding judge, U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris, recused himself just before the sentencing hearings for the five officers.

On January 7, 2023, officers violently removed Nichols from his vehicle, followed by pepper-spraying and Taser attacks on the 29-year-old African American man. Fleeing, Nichols was pursued until he was caught and subjected to a brutal assault involving punches, kicks, and baton strikes by the five officers, all of whom are also Black. During the beating, which occurred mere steps from his home, Nichols could be heard pleading for his mother.

Footage of the beating, captured on a police pole camera, showed the officers casually milling about, conversing, and laughing while Nichols suffered from his injuries.

This incident led to heightened scrutiny of Memphis law enforcement, widespread protests, and renewed cries for police reform.

Judge Norris was appointed as a U.S. district judge in West Tennessee in October 2018, following his nomination by President Donald Trump. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Tennessee Senate majority leader since 2007 and was first elected to the body in 2000. His district encompassed Tipton County and a portion of Shelby County.