Supervisor In Nichols’ Death Retired

March 19, 2023 8:09 am

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — The Memphis police supervisor on scene when Tyre Nichols was beaten to death by officers retired with his benefits the day before a hearing to fire him. Documents filed to revoke Lt. DeWayne Smith’s law enforcement certification show he ignored Nichols saying he couldn’t breathe after the beating, failing to take off his handcuffs or get medical help. The documents say Smith didn’t wear his body camera and told Nichols’ family he was intoxicated with no evidence. Nichols’ family attorney Ben Crump says letting Smith retire was a cowardly move to avoid consequences. Smith is not one of the five officers charged with second degree murder in Nichols’ death.