Tyre Nichols’s Death: 3 Former Officers Acquitted of All State Charges
Tyre Nichols’s Death: 3 Former Officers Acquitted of All State Charges

The former Memphis officers were acquitted of all charges, including second-degree murder, in the beating death of Mr. Nichols.
Read the full article on NY Times Politics
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article's central claim that three former Memphis officers were acquitted of all state charges in the death of Tyre Nichols is partially contradicted by available sources. While some sources confirm acquittals on certain charges, others indicate convictions on federal charges. The article presents a simplified view, potentially omitting crucial context, leading to a moderate bias.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim:** "The former Memphis officers were acquitted of all charges, including second-degree murder, in the beating death of Mr. Nichols."
- Verification Source #1: Supports the acquittal of state charges including second-degree murder.
- Verification Source #2: Supports the acquittal of state charges including second-degree murder.
- Verification Source #4: Contradicts the claim of complete acquittal, stating that the officers were convicted of federal felonies.
- Verification Source #5: Mentions that two officers pleaded guilty in federal court, further contradicting the claim of complete acquittal.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Verification Source #1: "Jurors are ... not guilty to state charges including second-degree murder." Supports the acquittal on state charges.
- Verification Source #2: "...state charges, including second-degree murder." Supports the acquittal on state charges.
- Verification Source #4: "All three former Memphis Police Department officers were convicted of federal felonies for their role in Tyre Nichols' death..." Contradicts the claim of complete acquittal.
- Verification Source #5: "Mills and Martin both have pleaded guilty in federal court..." Contradicts the claim of complete acquittal.
The primary contradiction arises from the article's failure to acknowledge the federal convictions. While the officers may have been acquitted of *state* charges, they were found guilty of *federal* charges. This omission creates a biased impression.