Memphis 6th cop Preston Hemphill suspended for Tire Nichols

It appears that other parties are held responsible for the death of Tire Nichols.

According to a local report from Memphis, a sixth officer named Preston Hemphill has been “relieved of duty” while the investigation into the full details of the Tire Nichols murder is substantiated. Hill has been on the ice since Jan. 8, but the department did not explain why he was not mentioned in their initial statements last week. Hemphill was not present at the second scene where Taddarius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Justin Smith, Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills Jr. fatally assaulted Nichols.

Here’s what Hemphill’s attorney, Lee Gerald, had to say on behalf of his client:

“I can confirm that I am representing Memphis Police Officer Preston Hemphill who was the third officer when Mr Nichols was initially arrested. Video One is his body camera sequence. Per department regulations, Officer Hemphill activated his body camera. He was never present at the second scene. He is cooperating with the authorities in this investigation.

Although not at the scene of the beating, Hemphill certainly abused Tyr and wished for more abuse, as evidenced by the quip caught on his body camera, “I hope they stomp on his ass”. We definitely need to know more about why he was spared the firing and criminal charges, but we’re sure the answers to those questions are coming soon.

We will have more information as it becomes available.