Two more law enforcement officers have been placed on administrative leave and are now under investigation over their alleged involvement in the death of Tyre Nichols.
The Memphis Police Department fired and criminally charged five police officers over Nichols’ death earlier this month.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office opened an investigation into two of its deputies after body camera footage was released Friday evening that showed the incident that led to Nichols’ death.
“Having watched the videotape for the first time tonight, I have concerns about two deputies who appeared on the scene following the physical confrontation between police and Tyre Nichols,” Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner, Jr. said. “I have launched an internal investigation into the conduct of these deputies to determine what occurred and if any policies were violated. Both of these deputies have been relieved of duty pending the outcome of this administrative investigation.”
The names of the two deputies were not released.
“My heartfelt condolences are expressed to the family and friends of Tyre Nichols,” Bonner added. “I am sad and angry about his tragic death.”
Nichols died on January 10, three days after Memphis police pulled him over for “reckless driving” near Raines Road and Ross Road in Memphis.
Police said that during the stop, a “confrontation occurred,” at which point Nichols ran away from police on foot as they attempted to apprehend him.
“While attempting to take the suspect into custody, another confrontation occurred; however, the suspect was ultimately apprehended,” MPD said. “Afterward the suspect complained of having shortness of breath, at which point an ambulance was called to the scene.”
Officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmit Martin III, Desmond Mills, Jr., and Justin Smith have all been charged with two counts of official misconduct, local media reported, with one count of official oppression, second-degree murder, aggravated assault-act in concert, and two counts of aggravated kidnapping.
Nichols’ mother, RowVaughn Wells, told CNN on Friday that those who protest her son’s death should not riot because that it is not want her son would have wanted.
“I don’t want us burning up our cities, tearing up the streets, because that’s not what my son stood for,” Wells said. “And if you guys are here for me and Tyre, then you will protest peacefully.”
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