Attorneys Crump and Romanucci, Parents of Tyre Nichols Respond to Officer Emmitt Martin Changing to a Federal Guilty Plea

MEMPHIS, Tenn. –– Nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, and the parents of Tyre Nichols, released the following statement in response to one of the officers responsible for Nichols’ death changing his federal plea to guilty.

Tyre Nichols was critically injured and left unrecognizable after a traffic stop with Memphis police; he later died on Jan. 10. The five officers involved in the brutal treatment have been terminated and are being charged with second-degree murder; aggravated assault, acting in concert; two counts of aggravated kidnapping; two counts of official misconduct; and official oppression.

“The family is relieved that another officer has finally admitted his responsibility for this heinous act. His admission of guilt to federal charges is a crucial component to accountability, although state charges remain, in addition to our civil action. This is another step in a long road to justice for Tyre. Martin acted in concert with the others as part of a Scorpion unit culture of inflicting harm on citizens of Memphis. Martin pleading to his role and responsibility in Tyre’s murder is not enough. We urge the other officers involved in his death to confront their actions and take responsibility. We remain fiercely committed to holding all officers and the City of Memphis accountable for Tyre’s tragic and unnecessary death.”

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ABOUT BEN CRUMP LAW

Through his work, nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump has spearheaded a legal movement to better protect the rights of marginalized citizens. He has led landscape-changing civil rights cases and represented clients in a wide range of areas including civil rights, personal injury, labor and employment, class actions, and more. Ben Crump Law is dedicated to holding the powerful accountable. For more information, visit bencrump.com.

About Romanucci & Blandin, LLC

Romanucci & Blandin is a Chicago-based national trial practice committed to fighting for victims of negligence, abuse and wrongful death through impact litigation. For more than 25 years, we have secured more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients - many for millions of dollars or record-setting awards. Our experience ranges from mass shootings, civil rights and police misconduct to medical malpractice, sexual abuse, motor vehicle accidents or workplace injury cases involving individual or institutional negligence. Romanucci & Blandin is a valuable legal resource to individuals and groups of people who have been injured by others’ wrongdoing. Referring attorneys and clients say several factors distinguish our firm: Our record of success, depth of experience, talented and dedicated legal team, tireless preparation, and strategic use of communications to fight for the rights of those whose lives have been changed forever. We differ from other personal injury firms in that our work does not stop when a verdict or settlement is secured. Our clients’ experiences often inspire us to commit resources to transforming lives and communities. For more information about Romanucci & Blandin, please visit: www.rblaw.net.