Natalia Chi
Memphis police supervisor on scene tire nichols According to documents filed to disqualify him from law enforcement, he was beaten by a retired police officer the day before the hearing to dismiss him.
Lieutenant DeWayne Smith was identified Friday in records obtained by the news agency as the officer who said the officer retired earlier this month before a dismissal hearing.
Some members of the Memphis city council were upset that the officers were allowed to retire before the dismissal process took place. and other advantages.
“I just don’t like the fact that his parents are paying this cop to live, and that’s annoying,” said Smiley.
City of Memphis via AP
An attorney for the Nicholls family said the Justice Department should not have allowed Smith to “cowardly avoid the consequences of his actions” and retire after 25 years.
“We urge Memphis police and authorities to do everything in their power to hold Lieutenant Smith and all those involved fully accountable,” attorney Ben Crump said.
Seven other Memphis police officers were fired after Nichols died after a Jan. 7 traffic stop, five of whom were fired. be charged with second-degree murder. Smith has not been charged in Nichols’ death.
Nichols, 29, was violently dragged out of his car after police threatened to shock him with a taser. He ran, but was cornered. video was shown Five police officers held him down, beat him repeatedly with fists, boots and batons, and shouted for his mother.
A decertification document against Lieutenant Smith reveals additional details regarding his actions that night.
According to the report, Smith heard Nichols say “I can’t breathe” as he was propped up by a police car, but was unable to get medical care or remove the handcuffs.
According to the documents, Smith had not received any reports of the use of force from other officers, and Nichols’ family was informed that he was driving under the influence, even though there was no information to support the charges. I told you. Investigators said Smith determined without evidence that Nichols was on drugs or drunk, and told Nichols, “You did something,” when he arrived at the scene. It was said that the situation was reflected in the video.
Additionally, Smith was not wearing a body camera — a violation of police department policy.
U.S. Department of Justice Currently under review The Memphis Police Department has policies regarding the use of force, escalation strategies, and the use of specialized forces in response to Nichols’ death.
