Federal Indictments Expose Cover-Up in Tyre Nichols Case, Prompting Pressure for Change in Memphis Police Department

Five former Memphis police officers have been federally indicted on charges including excessive force, failure to intervene, witness tampering, and conspiracy in the case of Tyre Nichols, who died during an arrest in January. The indictment alleges that the officers kicked, punched, tased, and pepper sprayed Nichols, while also removing their body-worn cameras and making incriminating statements. The charges carry maximum penalties of life in prison. The officers also face criminal court charges in Shelby County. The Department of Justice is conducting a separate civil rights investigation into the Memphis Police Department.