Biden: "What happened to Tire Nichols happens too often" 5:07
(CNN Spanish) ---
Five former Memphis Police Department officers pleaded not guilty Friday at their arraignment to charges related to the January death of Tire Nichols, who was brutally beaten after a police traffic stop was recorded. on video.
Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Justin Smith, Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills Jr. face charges of manslaughter, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression.
Attorneys for the defendants entered pleas of not guilty on their behalf.
The former officials must appear in court again on May 1.
Who are the public officials involved in the death of Tire Nichols?
this is what we know
In the back of the courtroom where the hearing took place were members of Nichols' family with his lawyer, Ben Crump.
Nichols' family members sat in the back of the room with his lawyer Ben Crump.
advertising
Following the depositions in Shelby County Criminal Court, Judge James Jones urged both sides to be patient as the case may take some time.
"We understand that there may be some strong emotions in this case, but we ask that you continue to be patient with us," Jones said.
"Everyone involved wants this case to end as soon as possible. But it is important that all of you understand that both the State of Tennessee and each of these defendants have an absolute right to a fair trial. And I will not allow any behavior that could endanger that right".
In Tennessee, manslaughter is considered a felony punishable by 15 to 60 years in prison.
