Federal prosecutors have opened their case against three former Memphis police officers accused of fatally beating Tyre Nichols, alleging the incident was retaliation for a traffic stop.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Rogers described the actions of the officers as "the run tax," referring to their punishment for someone escaping a traffic stop, indicating a use of excessive force.
Defense lawyers claimed the officers acted according to their training in a chaotic situation, framing the fatal encounter as an unintended consequence, despite substantial evidence of excessive force.
Nichols, who was Black, died from injuries sustained during the beating, with his death prompting nationwide outrage after video footage showed officers delivering brutal blows despite his compliance.
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