“We are not done!” — Tyre Nichols’ Family Still Fighting for Justice
The pursuit of justice for Tyre Nichols continues, even as a recent court ruling has dealt a painful blow to his family and supporters. Three of the five former Memphis police officers involved in the deadly January 2023 beating of Nichols have been found not guilty in a Tennessee state court, sparking outrage and renewed calls for accountability.
Despite this legal setback, Nichols’ family remains determined. They’ve now taken their fight to civil court, filing a $550 million federal lawsuit against the five former officers, the City of Memphis, and Police Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis. The lawsuit alleges that the city and its leadership failed to prevent or properly address the brutality that led to Nichols’ death. The civil trial is scheduled for July 2026, a date that underscores just how long and difficult the road to justice may be.
The financial stakes are high. City officials have publicly stated that losing the lawsuit could push Memphis toward bankruptcy, emphasizing the potential magnitude of the case—not only in terms of justice but also its broader social and fiscal impact.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the Nichols family, remains optimistic. “We feel very confident in the civil case that there will be accountability for the Tyre Nichols family,” Crump said. Known for his advocacy in high-profile police violence cases, Crump emphasized that the fight is far from over.
Meanwhile, the two other ex-officers charged in connection with Nichols’ death—Desmond Mills Jr. and Emmitt Martin—have pleaded guilty to federal charges and are awaiting sentencing in June 2025. Their federal pleas include admissions of excessive force and failure to render aid, which could bolster the family’s civil case.
Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man and avid skateboarder, died after being pulled over and brutally beaten by multiple police officers on January 7, 2023. He succumbed to his injuries three days later. His death, captured on body camera footage, sparked nationwide protests and reignited conversations about police violence and systemic racism in American law enforcement.
As the legal battles unfold on both state and federal levels, Nichols’ family insists that justice will not be denied. Their message remains clear: “We are not done.”
