Memphis Police Leadership to Testify in Tyre Nichols Civil Case

Deposition List Indicates Witnesses

In a significant development surrounding the case, a potential witness list for deposition was recently submitted in the federal court, highlighting the direction of the $550 million civil lawsuit against the City of Memphis, spearheaded by civil rights attorney Ben Crump and his legal team for the family of Tyre Nichols. The comprehensive roster includes 109 potential deponents, incorporating Nichols’ family, city attorneys, Memphis Police Department officers, current and former MPD high-ranking officials, and the past head of the Atlanta Police Department.

Potential Testimonies

The deposition list further identifies the anticipated testimonies of the individuals listed. Notable MPD figures include Interim Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis, Assistant Chief Shawn Jones, Assistant Chief Don Crowe, and Deputy Chief Michael Hardy. These officials are expected to testify on related themes, with Davis anticipated to comment on her tenure with the Atlanta Police Department’s defunct RED DOG Unit.

“Chief Davis will testify in her individual capacity regarding training that police officers undergo prior to their employment with the Memphis Police Department, at the police academy, during their employment with the Memphis Police Department, and with respect to the SCORPION Unit in areas including, but not limited to, Terry stops, reasonable articulable suspicion, probable cause, traffic stops, foot pursuits, the use of force, the use of batons, the use of tasers, the use of pepper spray, the use of deadly force and the Fourth Amendment more generally,” noted the filing.

Former Officials and Units Highlighted

The filing also pointed to former MPD officials, especially those who previously instructed at the police academy, and past MPD Director Michael Rallings. Retired Chief of Atlanta police, George Turner, another significant potential deponent, directed his department to disband its RED DOG Unit that aligns with the style of Memphis’ SCORPION Unit.

Inspectional Services Bureau and more to be deposed

Additionally, members of the Inspectional Services Bureau, former SCORPION Unit members, officers and deputies present post Nichols’ beating, and members of the Memphis Fire Department are included in the potential deponents list. The roster also contains medical professionals who treated Nichols at the hospital, those who conducted his autopsy, Nichols’ family, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy, and numerous other Memphians who claimed alleged brutality by the MPD.

Request for Extended Depositions

The Nichols’ family lawyers are requesting Federal District Court Judge Mark Norris to authorize extended deposition times. The attorneys could depose Davis for up to 35 hours over five days if she is the sole witness representing the City of Memphis.

The Nichols Case

Nichols was fatally assaulted by officers belonging to MPD’s SCORPION Unit on Jan. 7, 2023. It remains unexplained why Nichols was initially halted. Although MPD’s initial statement alleged reckless driving, Davis later denied any evidence supporting the claim. Five officers charged in the federal case have yet to state the reason for Nichols’s arrest, but have pointed out a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation report claiming the presence of “magic mushrooms” and “stolen debit and credit cards” in Nichols’ car.