The official autopsy report of Tyre Nichols reveals that he died from blunt force trauma after a traffic stop by police in Memphis, Tennessee turned violent.
Nichols passed away days after the January 7 traffic stop.
The Memphis Police Department stated that Nichols was stopped for alleged reckless driving. During the traffic stop, a confrontation occurred, which led to Nichols running away from officers. When officers caught up with Nichols, another fight ensued, which led to Nichols complaining about shortness of breath.
The MPD stated, "While attempting to take the suspect into custody, another confrontation occurred; however, the suspect was ultimately apprehended." Nichols was transported to a local hospital in critical condition but died on January 10.
According to the Commercial Appeal, the medical examiner's report reviewed by Nichols' family through their attorneys, Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, on Wednesday states that the manner of death is a homicide and Nichols died from blunt force trauma.
Crump and Romanucci stated that the report they obtained from the Shelby County District Attorney's Office is consistent with an earlier independent review. "The legal team representing the family of Tyre Nichols acknowledges the release of the medical examiner's report, the contents of which are highly consistent with our reporting back in January of this year," the attorneys said.
"We know now what we knew then Tyre Nichols died from blunt force trauma and the manner of death was homicide. The official autopsy report further propels our commitment to seeking justice for this senseless tragedy."
Five Memphis police officers were fired after the incident and are being charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, and other charges. Body camera footage released by Memphis police shows officers punching, kicking, and striking Nichols with a baton several times.
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