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Did Tyre Nichols have ‘affair’ with Memphis cop’s ex-wife? Police investigating ‘unconfirmed’ rumors

Five former Memphis Police Officers were charged in the death of Nichols, who died from injuries following a traffic stop

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE: The killing of Tyre Nichols has sparked many rumors and theories on the Internet. One of the allegations circulating on the Internet is that the victim had a relationship with the ex-wife or ex-girlfriend of one of the Memphis police officers who killed him.

Rumors have emerged suggesting a connection between Nichols and the ex-girlfriend or ex-wife of former Memphis police officer Demetrius Haley, reports Newsweek. It is also alleged that Haley sent pictures of Nichols to his ex-wife after the 29-year-old's violent arrest.

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Recently, a theory has been circulating on the Internet and social media that Tyre had an affair with one of the official's wives while they both worked at FedEx in Memphis. There is no evidence to support this allegation. The impression was given that the police were seeking revenge. There are also unsubstantiated allegations that the officer in question sent a photo of Tyre to the wife after the assault. A user on Twitter therorised, "Makes me wonder if this traffic stop was planned and he was followed." Another said, "Was he even taking a picture of Tyre??? I would pull phone records to see whom he sent images to. Something is fishy about the actions of the whole encounter." Another user wrote, "The @DOJPH needs to step in and investigate this !!"  One user claimed, "It sure did seem they were after him for personal reasons. Absolutely sickening what they did."

Did Tyre Nichols have ‘affair’ with Memphis cop’s ex-wife?

However, the rumors were disputed by Nichols' family. Tyre was not engaged in any such relationship, according to his stepdad Rodney Wells. "My son was not messing around with one of the officer's wives. That's just a rumor," said Wells during a prayer vigil outside the Nichols' home, as reported by TMZ.

What are the Memphis cops saying about this rumor?

Shelby County district attorney's office is looking into rumors linking Nichols to the ex-girlfriend or ex-wife of former Memphis police officer Demetrius Haley, reports Newsweek. A rep from the department said, "All of this is still under investigation. Those are the things, along with the participation of others, that [are] now the subject of our investigation." Also, Erica Williams, director of communications at the district attorney's office said that the rumors linking Nichols to the individual had not been "confirmed." "We know that there have been questions about other officers and Fire Department personnel on the scene, persons remotely operating cameras, the potential of false reporting, among other things. We are now at the stage of our investigation where we are looking into all of these matters," Williams said to the outlet. "At this time none of those accusations are confirmed. However, nothing is off the table as this is a very active investigation—and still early in the investigation," the director added.

'Rumor being investigated is evidence of nothing'

The internet reacted later when it was revealed that police were investigating the speculative claim "even though Tyre's parents refuted the rumor of him having had a romantic involvement with the ex of one of the cops." A user wrote, "All leads should be investigated. Until they are facts, his mother is the closest to him and she says it is not true. There is certainly room for her not knowing everything, but a rumor being investigated is evidence of nothing." Another user on Reddit said, "Good point. Isn't that a conflict of interest? I mean, they did fire the cops and charge them right away, which is not something that always happens. How many times did the PD engage in a cover up, until someone leaked video, THEN they act all outraged and fire them, etc. But yes, an outside agency should be investigating this for sure."

A user on Twitter wrote, "Even if he was, its no justification for murder it is however, a motive." "Hypothetically, if Tyre Nichols WAS seeing one of the officers wives . That reason still wouldn’t justify getting beat to death by 6 officers," said another user. One person noted, "It seemed like a personal vendetta, I'm sure if they issue a search warrant for their phone records we will know the truth."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.