The Memphis Police Department has relieved of duty a sixth police officer who was involved in the investigation into Tyre Nichols’ death this month.
An MPD spokesman confirmed the department relieved Officer Preston Hemphill of duty in a Monday statement to Fox News Digital. The 26-year-old officer joined the force in 2018 and allegedly used his taser on Nichols prior to the beating by five other officers.
Preston, who is white, has not yet been charged with a crime in connection to the incident.
The five other officers, who are black, include Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills Jr., Emmitt Martin III and Justin Smith. They were each terminated on Jan. 18 and are facing seven counts: second-degree murder; aggravated assault, act in concert; two counts of aggravated kidnapping; two counts of official misconduct; and official oppression.
Officials released footage of Nichols’ beating on Friday. It shows the five officers punching, kicking, and hitting Nichols with batons as he lies prone on January 7. He died of his injuries in the hospital three days later.
In addition to firing the officers, Police Director Cerelyn “CJ” Davis also permanently disbanded the city’s so-called Scorpion unit on Saturday. The Unit included the five officers and was focused on preventing and punishing street crime.
This is a developing story. Check back soon for updates.
