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Memphis Police Department

Memphis completes investigation into Tyre Nichols' death, will release 20 additional hours of footage

Lucas Finton Katherine Burgess
USA TODAY

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis has completed its investigation into the death of Tyre Nichols and will release nearly 20 hours of footage Wednesday afternoon from the scene where Nichols was beaten by multiple Memphis police officers in early January.

The footage, along with accompanying charging documents, comes over a month after the initial body camera footage was released.

"The investigation has been concluded," said Jennifer Sink, chief legal officer for the City of Memphis, in a Tuesday morning presentation before the Memphis City Council's Public Safety Committee.

In total, 13 officers from the Memphis Police Department were investigated. Seven were fired, three were suspended and two had their internal charges dismissed. One officer retired, but the recommendation for that person was termination.

The officer who retired submitted his retirement before the hearing was scheduled. Sink said the city cannot compel someone to come to work or a hearing unless they're employed by the city.

"What happened, at my direction, was the hearing was still held, nobody appeared, but that was to be expected," Sink said. "The hearing officer made a determination based upon the information available to him."

Four employees from the Memphis Fire Department were also investigated. Three department employees were fired, and it is unclear what the status of the fourth employee is. 

According to Sink, all of the officers who struck Nichols were part of the first group of terminations and criminal charges.

Sink said another person who placed their "hands on legs" but did not strike or assault Nichols received a suspension.

All of the suspensions are without pay and they will return to work after.

With the city's current pension system, an employee can retire — even if they are facing disciplinary action — and retain their pension.

"At the end of the day, we're accountable to the people who pay taxes and if we're wronging the people who pay taxes, we shouldn't be allowed to receive dollars that are ultimately theirs," said Memphis Councilman JB Smiley. "We need to fix that. It's upsetting."

The five former Memphis police officers charged with murder and other crimes in connection to Nichols' death had their first court appearances in February. All pleaded not guilty and are expected to return to court in early May. 

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