In a recent judicial development, a Shelby County judge has ruled to sever the state trials of three former Memphis Police Officers from that of their fellow ex-officer, Emmitt Martin III, who is to testify against them. These former officers, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith, are among the five accused in the second-degree murder of Tyre Nichols following an incident during a traffic stop. The state trial is set to commence on April 28, 2025, with a preceding report date of February 21, 2025, as confirmed by Action News 5.

The decision to separate the trials was made after the defense argued that Martin's previous admission of guilt in a federal trial would unfairly influence a jury's perception of the other defendants. This motion to sever was granted even though District Attorney Steve Mulroy had assured that Martin's prior statements would not be used to incriminate the other defendants. "Mr. Martin has in his prior statements has mentioned Demetrius Haley countless times and it is inappropriate frankly for them to be sitting next to each other in this courtroom," Michael Stengel, Haley’s attorney, told WREG during their coverage of the proceedings.

Previously, Bean and Smith were both found guilty only on obstruction charges during the federal trial, while Haley was convicted on charges of obstruction and conspiracy to commit obstruction, among others. Martin and another former officer, Desmond Mills Jr., had taken plea deals on federal charges prior to the federal trial. In a move that seems to indicate a potential resolution without trial, Mulroy anticipates Martin changing his plea on the state charges, as reported by Local Memphis.

The tragic case surrounding the death of Tyre Nichols has drawn widespread attention, with Nichols succumbing to his injuries three days after the beating on January 7, 2023. Set against this sobering backdrop, the court deliberations continue to unfold with intensity, further complicated by the dynamics of separate state trials and conflicting defense strategies. In addition to these proceedings, a $550 million civil lawsuit by the Nichols’ family against the City of Memphis is scheduled to be brought before a jury in March 2025. The outcomes of the ongoing legal battles may to substantially influence the civil case.