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Preston Hemphill: Suspended Memphis cop who tased Tyre Nichols fired after disciplinary investigation for lying in statement

Preston Hemphill admitted at a disciplinary hearing that he did not see any signs of a traffic offense despite other cops claiming that Nichols was driving recklessly

WarningL This article contains graphic recollection of crime that may trigger some readers. Discretion is advised. 

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE: Suspended Memphis police officer Preston Hemphill, who was involved in Tyre Nichols's death, has reportedly been fired from duty following an ongoing investigation after he allegedly admitted that he did not witness the victim driving recklessly. This comes days after the outraged public called out Memphis Police Department for not charging the White officer involved in Nichols's death.  

The other five Memphis police officers Desmond Mills Jr, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, and Justin Smith, were fired and charged with murder in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols, 29. However, it is unclear if Hemphill will be facing any charges or the same murder charges as the others. 

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What happened before Tyre Nichols' death?

Hemphill was undergoing a disciplinary action investigation following Nichols's death. A viral bodycam footage showing the officers thrashing Nichols to death was released by MPD. Nichols was stopped at an intersection and eventually pulled out of his vehicle for an alleged traffic violation, the footage reveals. Nichols was ripped out of his vehicle all the while he was screaming, "I didn't do anything," reported The Sun.

At one point, Nichols was violently held to the ground before he attempted to flee for his life. That is when the footage shows Hemphill firing a taser at Nichols which investigating authorities have found was a violation of conduct. Not to mention, a later investigation into the cops' behavior found that Hemphill left part of the weapon at the scene and made sick comments like "I hope they stomp his a**" after Nichols tried to run away.

The video filled with graphic, violent moments shows Nichols reportedly being pepper sprayed, kicked, and punched in the head by the officers while being struck with a metal baton, as he continuously screamed for his mother in pain.

Nichols, 29, a victim of violent police brutality, later succumbed to his injuries and died in the hospital. Hemphill admitted at a disciplinary hearing that he did not see any signs of a traffic offense despite other officers claiming that Nichols was driving at a reckless speed. He was the sixth officer to be fired following Nichols's death.

'Better late than never!'

Internet users were furious as Hemphill was only suspended and no charges against him were pressed or revealed. One user wrote, "Why wasn’t he fired and charged when the other officers were? We should have known his identity when we learned of theirs!"

Another added, "He should have been fired immediately! #JusticeforTyreNichols #TyreeNichols." A third wrote, "Somehow fired doesn't seem like enough. He was there. He tazed Tyre. He said he hoped they stomped Tyre. He needs to be arrested and charged as well. Everybody who was there and did nothing to stop it needs to be charged."

"He should have been fired and charged at the same time as the other officers. But, better late than never," read a tweet. Another chimed, "After all, he only started it…snatched Tyre out of the car, and tazed him. Hmm? What took so long…" "Where's the charges????" questioned a user. 

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.