Seventh officer in Tire Nichols case relieved of duty

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis police said a seventh officer was relieved of duty for his involvement in the confrontation with Tire Nichols, but did not name the officer.

The MPD released a statement Monday with additional information about its findings in the investigation. The seventh officer has not been identified and his role in the incident has not been disclosed.

Police said the unnamed seventh officer had been relieved of duty since January 8.

Nichols died Jan. 10, three days after a Memphis police traffic stop that ended in Nichols being seriously injured in a hospital. His funeral is set for Wednesday.

Records show officers Justin Smith, Desmond Mills Jr., Emmitt Martin III, Demetrius Haley and Tadarrius Bean, who were fired after Nichols’ death, were released on bail after being held in Shelby County Jail last Thursday morning.

The five former officers have been charged with second degree murder, aggravated assault, two counts of aggravated kidnapping, two counts of official misconduct and official oppression.

Preston Hemphill has been relieved of his duties for his role in the death of Nichols, we learned on Monday. MPD said he had been relieved of his duties since the investigation began on January 8. He has not been charged or fired so far.

EMT-Basic Robert Long, EMT-Advanced JaMichael Sandridge and Memphis Fire Department Lt. Michelle Whitaker were also fired for violating policy and protocol in their response.