An autopsy report has revealed that Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old man who died three days after being beaten by Memphis police officers during a traffic stop, suffered from brain injuries, wounds to his head, and other parts of his body. The report showed that Mr Nichols suffered from internal bleeding and tears to his brain, as well as bruises and cuts throughout his body. The autopsy also indicated that Mr Nichols had a blood alcohol level below the legal limit to drive in the state.
Five police officers were charged with murder and other crimes, and a video of the incident showed them using Tasers and physically assaulting Mr Nichols. The family’s attorneys said that the autopsy’s findings were shocking, but consistent with an independent autopsy commissioned by the family earlier this year.
The family of Tyre Nichols has released a statement saying that the official autopsy results highlight the “utter brutality” of the deadly beating he suffered at the hands of the Memphis police officers. The statement called the officers’ actions “heinous” and “inhumane”. The Memphis Police Department has not commented on the new autopsy results, but Police Chief Cerelyn Davis has previously condemned the officers’ actions.
The Nichols family has filed a lawsuit against the city of Memphis, its police department, and the officers involved, seeking monetary compensation for medical, funeral, and other expenses. The lawsuit also alleges that the officers’ now-disbanded team, called the Scorpion unit, was carrying out unconstitutional mandates without fear of retribution. The City of Memphis has fired six police officers and three fire department employees in connection with Mr Nichols’ death.
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