The family of Tyre Nichols, who five black Memphis police officers beat following a traffic stop and foot chase last year, will hold two candlelight vigils on Sunday to mark the first anniversary of his death.
Nichols’ family, who is being represented by civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, will hold a vigil in Memphis at the intersection of Castlegate Lane and Ross Road at 7 p.m. CT and in Nichols’ hometown of Sacramento, California, at the Tyre Nichols Skate Park at 5 p.m. PST.
MEDIA ALERT: Individuals, activists, and supporters will gather for two solemn candlelight vigils in Memphis and Tyre Nichols’ hometown of Sacramento (CA) on 1/7 at 7 p.m. CT to commemorate the 1-year anniversary of his death. pic.twitter.com/OShSyclxSn
— Ben Crump Law, PLLC (@BenCrumpLaw) January 5, 2024
“The candlelight vigils aim to provide solace to Nichols’ family, friends, and all who have been affected by this profound loss and to honor Tyre’s memory and legacy. During the vigils, attendees will come together to reflect on Nichols’ life, share memories, and stand united in demanding accountability and justice. Candles will be lit in his honor, and as a symbol of hope and remembrance,” a press release from Crump’s office said.
Nichols’ family attorneys also released a statement this week marking the first anniversary of his death, saying what happened last year was an “unspeakable and inhumane tragedy that needlessly took the life of a gentle and peaceful person who was loved by so many.”
“Our legal team is fiercely committed to fighting for justice for Tyre and vigorously restate our assertions that the Scorpion Unit officers involved acted at the direction of a Memphis Police Department policy that violated the civil rights of innocent civilians and caused needless pain to many. Work continues on the civil litigation,” the attorneys added.
The five black Memphis police officers who beat Nichols to death – Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Justin Smith, Emmitt Martin, and Desmond Mills, Jr. – were all part of the Memphis Police Department’s now-deactivated SCORPION (Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods) unit.
In September, a federal grand jury in Memphis returned a multi-count indictment against the five officers, who are also charged with several felonies in Shelby County. Four officers are scheduled to go on trial in May, while the fifth officer, Mills, recently pleaded guilty to two felony counts in exchange for a recommendation that he serve no more than 15 years in federal prison.
A memorial fund for Nichols set up by his family shortly after his death has grown to nearly $1.5 million.
– – –
Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Let this be settled in court.
Let a judge and jury decide after all evidence and witnesses have been presented to the court.