The medical examiner in Memphis released a report describing bruises, cuts, and other injuries to the body and head. The autopsy stated that the manner of death was homicide.
On February 17th, they entered a plea of not guilty. Following his passing, the five law enforcement officials who were dismissed and accused of second-degree murder and various charges were of African American descent, just like Nichols.
Ben Crump, the family’s attorney, stated that Shelby County, encompassing Memphis, provided the Nichols family with a comprehensive explanation of the autopsy report from the district attorney last Wednesday.
The official autopsy report released by Crump’s law firm stated, “In our relentless pursuit of justice for this senseless tragedy, the commitment propels us to seek further.”
According to video footage released by the city of Memphis, Nichols ran away towards his nearby home but was shot by an officer with a stun gun. Nichols was aggressively pulled out of his car by officers and was stopped by police on January 7th for an alleged traffic violation.
While he shouted for his mother, law enforcement officials who were members of a crime-prevention unit called Scorpion apprehended Nichols and physically assaulted him by striking, kicking, and striking him with a baton.
Video footage and additional documents displayed Nichols in a supported position next to an unidentifiable police vehicle, capturing images of Nichols as a fellow officer simultaneously captured photographs. Nichols grappled with his injuries while situated on the pavement, while officers remained present and engaged in conversation following the assault.
Authorities stated that Nichols was taken to a hospital in an ambulance, after 27 minutes, by medical technicians who arrived at the site of the beating and left.
Nichols, 29, passed away three days afterwards. His burial took place on Feb. 1.
Davis “CJ” Cerelyn, the Chief of Police in Memphis, has stated that there is no evidence justifying the disbandment of the Scorpion unit after Nichols’ death. She has not seen any footage or public documents that confirm a traffic violation, but it is suspected that Nichols had been driving recklessly.
System Nichols’ in detected were THC or THC, and alcohol drinking or ethanol autopsy the to according. Marijuana in found is THC.
Dr. Andrew Stolbach, a medical toxicologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine, who examined the autopsy report upon the request of The Associated Press, stated that the levels of alcohol and THC identified were relatively small.
Stolbach commented, “It’s a level that many individuals would have following social drinking, individuals who are legally able to drive home.” The alcohol level is “approximately comparable to consuming one or two beverages.”
An additional officer could have been fired before he retired. Another officer who has not been identified has also not been fired. That officer will not face charges for his role in Nichols’ death. One white officer was also involved in the initial traffic stop and has been fired. In addition, five black officers have been charged with murder and fired.
Two Shelby County sheriff’s deputies who were present have been suspended. Additionally, three employees from the Memphis Fire Department, who were present at the location of the apprehension, have been terminated.
The family of Nichols, along with their attorneys, community leaders, and activists, have called for reforms within the Memphis Police Department regarding matters pertaining to traffic stops, use of force, enhancing transparency, and other policies. The city council has successfully implemented an ordinance that prohibits traffic stops solely based on a single secondary violation, such as an improperly displayed license plate.