MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A seventh Memphis Police Department officer was relieved of duty Monday following an investigation into the death of Tyre Nichols, who died following a confrontation with officers earlier this month.
Memphis police officials had not yet released that officer’s name Monday evening, according to WHBQ-TV. The department said that “there are numerous charges still developing that are impending.”
Earlier Monday, two Memphis Fire Department EMTs and a driver were fired after an internal investigation determined they had violated multiple department policies and protocols.
A sixth police officer, Preston Hemphill, was relieved of duty earlier Monday in connection with Nichols’ death, WHBQ reported. Hemphill remains a member of the department amid the ongoing investigation.
In a statement obtained by WHBQ, Hemphill’s attorney identified his client as “the third officer at the initial stop of Mr. Nichols.” Hemphill was seen firing a Taser gun at Nichols and was heard saying, “I hope they stomp his (expletive),” in a video released last week by authorities, the station reported.
Attorney Lee Gerald confirmed to WHBQ that his client’s body camera footage was among the clips released last week.
Nichols, 29, died on Jan. 10, three days after video released by police showed officers beating him with a baton and punching and kicking him during a traffic stop. Five officers subsequently fired from the police department were charged last week with murder and other crimes in connection with Nichols’ death.
©2022 Cox Media Group
