UPDATE:
Emmitt Martin pled guilty on Friday afternoon to counts one and three of the four-count indictment, charging him with federal civil rights charges, conspiracy, and obstruction offenses resulting in the death of Tyre Nichols.
Count one of the indictment alleges that the defendant “violated Nichols’ right to be free from the use of unreasonable force by a police officer by assaulting him and by failing to intervene in the unlawful assault.” It alleges that this offense resulted in bodily injury and the death of Nichols.
He also pled guilty to count three of the indictment, which alleged that all five defendants conspired to cover up their use of unlawful force by leaving out material information and by providing false and misleading information.
He could spend up to 480 months, or 40 years maximum in federal prison.
“This is another crucial component to getting accountability. The dominoes are starting to fall,” said Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump.
The District Attorney’s Office released a statement regarding the plea change.
“Today, Emmitt Martin entered a guilty plea in federal court, which will lead to a substantial and well-deserved sentence. From the beginning, our office has closely coordinated our state prosecution with the federal prosecution. We expect that at the appropriate time, Martin will enter a similar plea in state court.”
The D.A.’s Office says that though the guilty plea marks a step toward closure for the family of Tyre Nichols, there is still more work to be done.
“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,” said Tyre’s mother, RowVaugn Wells. “Until we get justice I won’t be content.”
Martin is due back in court on December 5.
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MEMPHIS (AP) — A second former Memphis police officer accused in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols is changing his not-guilty plea in the case that sparked outrage and intense calls for police reform.
Emmitt Martin is scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge Mark Norris on Friday to change his plea as part of an agreement with prosecutors, court documents show.
Another former Memphis officer, Desmond Mills Jr., pleaded guilty Nov. 2 to federal charges of excessive force and obstruction of justice and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors who recommended a 15-year prison sentence.
Three other fired officers — Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith — remain charged with federal civil rights violations. They also have been charged with second-degree murder and other offenses in state court. They have pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Community leaders say now with a second former officer changing his plea deal, it may be a prelude to what is to come.
“I think at the end of the day the officers are asking us who do we believe? Them, or our lying eyes. And I think as time goes on, the truth of what we all saw is coming to light,” said Earle J. Fisher, Senior Pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church.
Nichols died in a hospital on Jan. 10, three days after he was kicked, punched, and hit with a police baton after a traffic stop. Police video released on Jan. 27 showed five officers beating Nichols as he yelled for his mother just steps from his house. The video also showed the officers milling about and talking with each other as Nichols sat on the ground, struggling with his injuries.
The officers were fired for violations of Memphis Police Department policies.
An autopsy report showed Nichols died from blows to the head, and that the manner of death was homicide. The report described brain injuries, cuts, and bruises to the head and other parts of the body.
The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office says they will continue coordinating with federal authorities throughout the investigation, as they have in the past.
Jury selection in the trial was scheduled for Sept. 9.
We will continue following this story and providing updates as we learn more.
