Memphis police lieutenant who was on scene of Tyre Nichols’ violent beating retired with benefits

When Memphis Police Supt Tire Nicholas According to documents filed to revoke his law enforcement certification, he was beaten to death by retired officers with benefits the day before a dismissal hearing.

Lt. Devin Smith was identified in records obtained by media outlets Friday as the officer who authorities said retired before his termination hearing earlier this month.

Some members of the Memphis City Council were upset that an officer was allowed to retire before action was taken to fire him, including Council Vice Chairman J.B. Smiley Jr., who said it was inappropriate that the then-unknown Officer can keep pension. and other benefits.

“I don’t like the fact that his parents are paying this officer to go ahead and stay alive and it’s disturbing,” Smiley said.

A lawyer for Nichols’ family said the department should not have allowed Smith to “cowardly ignore the consequences of his actions” and retire after 25 years.

“We call on the Memphis police and authorities to do everything in their power to hold Lt. Smith and everyone involved fully accountable,” said attorney Ben Crump.

Seven other Memphis officers were fired after Nichols died after a Jan. 7 traffic stop, and five of them is charged with second-degree murder. Smith has not been charged in Nichols’ death.

Nichols, 29, was nearly pulled from his car after an officer threatened to shock him with a Taser. He ran, but was chased. Video shown As he was screaming for his mother, five officers grabbed him and beat him repeatedly with their fists, shoes and batons.

The certification documents against Lt. Smith reveal additional details about his actions that night.

According to the report, Smith heard Nichols say “I can’t breathe” as he was held against the squad car, but they failed to get him medical attention or remove the handcuffs.

Documents say Smith also did not receive use-of-force reports from other officers and told Nichols’ family that he was driving under the influence even though they had no information to support the charge. were not Investigators said Smith decided without evidence that Nichols was drunk or intoxicated, and video captured him telling Nichols “you got something” when he arrived at the scene.

Additionally, Smith was not wearing his body camera — a violation of police department policy. His actions were captured on other officers’ body cameras, according to the documents.

US Department of Justice Currently reviewing. Memphis Police Department policies regarding use of force, mitigation strategies and special units in response to Nichols’ death.