MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Despite Wednesday’s state trial verdicts not meeting the expectations of many in Memphis, all five former officers charged in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols will likely face lengthy prison sentences in federal court. This includes the men acquitted in state court, who are set to be sentenced in June 2025 for their federal charges.
Desmond Mills, who was the first to reach a plea deal in November 2023, resolved both state and federal charges. He admitted to using excessive force and failing to intervene during the beating of Nichols. In exchange, the government will recommend a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Mills also testified in the trials of his former colleagues.
Prosecutors have pointed to Emmitt Martin as one of the individuals most responsible for Nichols’ death. Just before the federal trial commenced, Martin reached a deal, pleading guilty to excessive force and witness tampering. Prosecutors are recommending a sentence of 40 years for Martin.
That leaves Demetrius Haley, Taddarius Bean, and Justin Smith to face sentencing. While the three were acquitted in state court, they were convicted of witness tampering in federal court. For Bean and Smith, prosecutors are seeking a 20-year sentence each.
Haley faces the longest recommended sentence. In addition to being convicted of witness tampering, he was also found guilty of violating Nichols’ civil rights by using unreasonable force. Federal prosecutors have called for a 60-year prison term for Haley.
