The state process begins for former police officers of Memphis who are charged with the death of Reifen Nichols | Local news

The jurors heard emotional opening statements and strong certificates when the trial against three former police officers from Memphis began, which were accused of nichols during the death.

The procedure is a crucial moment in a case that has described national examination since a violent encounter with the civil servants during a traffic stop in January 2023.

Rowvaughn Wells, Nichols' mother, took the status as the first witness of the public prosecutor. She fought through emotions and described the heartache, her son and the unimaginable task to share the news with his siblings.

“I lost it because the first thing I had to do was find out how I will say to his siblings that her little brother died. This is one of the most difficult things I ever had to do as a mother,” said Wells.

She remembered her son as a young man who still found his way in life.

“He was a 29-year-old young man who was still trying to find his way. He hadn't found it yet, but he arrived there,” she said.

Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith have not guilty an indictment against seven points, which contains second -degree murder. The public prosecutor claims that the officials had not beaten Nichols during the arrest, which led to his death.

The public prosecutor Paul Hagerman informed the jury that the extent of the injuries of Nichols were comparable to those that could be seen in high-speed car accidents.

“Dull forced trauma in the head, but it looks like a car accident, injuries that they almost mainly see in a car accident,” said Hagerman.

Defenders rejected and claimed that Nichols were resistance. Martin Vommermach, who represents Justin Smith, said his customer was dealing with an unusually difficult situation.

“These police officers arrest violent criminals every evening, and every policeman who comes here to testify will tell them that Reifen Nichols was the most difficult arrest they have ever made. He had superhuman strength,” argued.

The process is expected to continue tomorrow with statements of additional witnesses.