MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tadarrius Bean and Justin Smith, two of the three former Memphis Police officers found guilty this month of federal charges in the death of Tyre Nichols, filed motions for acquittal Friday.

Bean was found guilty Oct. 3 of obstruction, but not guilty on three other charges he faced.

Smith also was found guilty on the obstruction charge, but not guilty on the other three charges.

“There is absolutely no record evidence that supports an individual finding of Mr.
Bean guilty of obstruction of justice,” stated the motion filed in U.S. District Court in the Western District of Tennessee.

On Monday, Bean and Smith were released on bail. The third officer found guilty, Demetrius Haley, was denied bail because he was convicted of more crimes than the other ex-officers.

Haley is now fighting for his release with the help of his attorneys.

A motion was filed on Thursday, with his attorneys arguing that Haley should be granted bail while he awaits his sentencing on January 22.