Photo Courtesy of David Johnson / Facebook
Three of the five former Memphis officers involved in the Jan. 7 fatal beating of Tyre Nichols were discovered to be Omega Psi Phi Fraternity members. The organization released a statement rescinding the men’s membership on Jan. 31, 2023.
“A few days ago, on behalf of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, we joined with all other caring, thoughtful, decent and fair-minded people in America and around the world in extending our deepest sympathy to the family of Tyre Nichols,” the 42nd Grand Basileus Ricky L. Lewis wrote. “We have since learned that three of the former Memphis police officers involved in the horrific incident were members of our organization.”
Lewis continued, “That is devastating! Effective immediately, the Fraternity has revoked the membership of the three former Memphis police officers and all related privileges that may have enjoyed as members of our Fraternity.”
The three officers were Tadarrius Bean, Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills Jr. The other two officers involved in the Nichols’ killing were Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith.
Memphis officers pulled Nichols over for reckless driving on Jan. 7. The officers alleged that he tried to flee the scene on foot and tried to use force to detain him. Yet, footage showed officers continuously beating the 29-year-old, and at no point did it seem like the initial goal of arresting crossed their minds.
Before announcing the revocation of the officers’ Omega Psi Phi membership, the organization condoned the officers’ actions against Nichols, calling it “unacceptable” and extending “heartfelt and earnest sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Nichols.”
All five officers were fired. According to a news release from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the five officers face seven counts of second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping with bodily injury, aggravated kidnapping in possession of a deadly weapon, official misconduct, official misconduct-refrain and official oppression.