Ex-Memphis Police officer pleads guilty to charges in the death of Tyre Nichols
by: Deja Davis, David Royer, Ashley Paul
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Former Memphis Police officer Desmond Mills pleaded guilty Thursday morning to federal charges and has agreed to plead guilty to state charges in the death of Tyre Nichols, the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office said.
“My use of force was excessive on Mr. Nichols and I did make misleading statements,” Mills said in court.
Both federal and state prosecutors have agreed to a recommended sentence of 15 years. DA Steve Mulroy said the state and federal charges would run concurrently. Mills has also agreed to cooperate with federal and state investigations.
“He is fully cooperating and we expect him to continue fully cooperating, answering all questions truthfully, testifying to his role in the incident and what he saw the other defendants commit at the same incident,” Mulroy said.
Judge Mark Norris will decide on Mills’ sentencing at an upcoming hearing. That date has tentatively been set for May 22. He remains out on bond.
“For one of the officers to plead guilty today, I never would have expected this,” said Tyre’s stepfather Rodney Wells. “We are very pleased with the outcome of today.”
“I’m hoping that Mr. Mills, it was his conscience that allowed him to make this plea agreement and not because of his lawyers telling him it was the right thing to do,” Tyre’s mother Rowvaugh Wells said.
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