A federal jury acquitted two former Memphis police officers on Thursday for violating the civil rights of Tyre Nichols , a 29-year-old Black man, in January 2023 during a traffic stop just minutes away from his parents home. They were convicted of witness tampering, and a third officer was convicted of violating Nichols civil rights, though on a lesser charge.

Tadarrius Bean and Justin Smith were acquitted on the civil rights charges while Demetrius Haley was found guilty of violating his civil rights causing bodily injury but Haley was acquitted of violating Nichols civil rights causing death.

The mixed verdict was delivered before federal Judge Mark Norris in the citys Odell Horton federal courthouse. Defense attorneys for Bean and Haley rested their case last week. Smiths attorney argued his case on Monday .

Jurors began deliberations Thursday.

Civil rights attorneys Benjamin Crump and Antonio Romanucci said the jurys verdict sends a powerful message to police officers.

Tyres family is relieved that all three officers were found guilty and taken into custody for their loved ones death. Tyre should be alive today, and while nothing can bring them back, todays guilty verdicts bring a measure of accountability for his senseless tragic death, their statement said.

We hope this moment serves as a reminder that our fight for justice for Tyre is far from over. We will continue to push for justice in the state criminal case and civil case, so that no family has to endure this heartache again. Our thoughts are with Tyres family as they continue to navigate this painful journey.

All three officers attorneys argued that Memphis police policies taught officers to use the type of force they did against Nichols on the night of Jan. 7, 2023, which included punches and kicks.