Former MPD Officer Drove By Anger in Tyre Nichols Beating Case
Memphis, Tennessee – A shocking update has shaken the Memphis community. Former Memphis Police Department (MPD) officer Emmitt Martin’s attorney, Stephen Ross Johnson, admitted that Martin was instigated by anger when Tyre Nichols was brutally beaten—kicked, punched, and hit with a police baton—during a traffic stop.
This case of fatal brutality happened on January 7, 2023. Martin, the first officer to confront Nichols, is the second former cop to plead guilty in this horrifying incident. The confession occurred outside the Federal Courthouse on Friday, where Johnson stated that Martin is taking full responsibility for his actions. According to Johnson, “Driven by fear, fear of what he had done, fear of the consequences of using that excessive force, Mr. Martin tried to cover it up.”
The Guilty Plea
In an exchange, Martin pleaded guilty to two of the four counts against him, excessive force and conspiracy to witness tamper, which led prosecutors to drop the other counts. They also recommended a sentence not to exceed forty years. Nichols’ mother, RowVaughn Wells, expressed her relief on hearing Martin’s confession. She said, “I do know Martin and Haley were one of the main people that did the things to my son,”.
Earlier, another former Memphis officer, Desmond Mills Jr., pleaded guilty to federal excessive force and obstruction of justice charges. As part of his plea, Mills agreed to cooperate with prosecutors who recommended a 15-year prison sentence.
The Pending Cases
Meanwhile, three other dismissed officers, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith, are still charged with federal civil rights violations. They’re also indicted with second-degree murder and other offenses in state court. These officers have pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
City of Memphis on Notice
Lawyers representing the Nichols family have cautioned the City of Memphis about its responsibility in this context. Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump questioned, “What responsibility does the city of Memphis bear for this heinous act that was condoned?”.
The District Attorney’s Office released a statement regarding the plea agreement. It stated that Martin’s guilty plea in federal court “will lead to a substantial and well-deserved sentence.” They also mentioned their anticipation of Martin entering a similar plea in state court at the appropriate time.
The DA’s Office also conveyed that although the guilty plea signifies a step towards closure for Tyre Nichols’ family, there is still more work ahead. Nichols’s mother, RowVaugn Wells, stated, “I’m hoping that after today, the other three officers will look in the mirror and say they are guilty because I know that they are. Until we get justice, I won’t be content.”
Emmitt Martin, who still faces charges in the state court, is scheduled to be sentenced on December 5. This case continues to provoke an emotional response within the community as they eagerly await further developments and hope for justice for Tyre Nichols.
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
