Facing allegations of a cover-up, the city of Memphis says it will release all audio and video recordings in the deadly Tyre Nichols traffic stop.
“The City is preparing to release these recordings publicly upon completion of the administrative investigation, which is expected to occur in the next few weeks,” Jennifer Sink, Chief Legal Officer for the city of Memphis, said in a statement. “Mr. Nichols’ family and attorneys have been afforded an opportunity to view the entirety of the audio and video footage privately until it can be released publicly.”
The city has been inundated with records requests from media outlets, advocacy organizations and others since the Jan. 7 traffic stop in which five black police officers are accused of brutally beating Nichols. The 29-year-old black man died from his injuries three days later.
The officers, part of the now-disbanded SCORPION (Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace) Unit, have each been charged with second-degree murder and several other felonies.
Two other officers involved in the traffic stop have been relieved of duty and three Memphis EMTs who responded to the scene have been fired.
An administrative investigation into other personnel and a criminal probe are ongoing.
Memphis officials have taken heat for their handling of the investigation and the release of information.
“It is imperative the City conduct a thorough investigation so that all culpable parties can be held accountable. A premature release of the video and audio could compromise our administrative investigation,” Sink said.
Nichols family attorney Ben Crump has criticized the police department for its decision not to release information on the two assisting officers until this week, as well as how the officers were disciplined. He suggested this week that one of the officers, Preston Hemphill, who is white, was getting special treatment from the police department.
Asked about allegations of a cover-up, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy told Fox News”nothing could be further from the truth.”
Crump did not return a request for comment.
“We request the public’s patience while we complete our investigation,” Sink said.
– – –
M.D. Kittle is the National Political Editor for The Star News Network.
