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Tyre Nichols was heading home on a Saturday night when police pulled him over just a few blocks from his mom’s house — setting the stage for his fatal beating at the hands of five officers later charged with his murder.
Here’s a look at what we know so far about the events leading up to, and after, the aspiring photographer and FedEx driver’s death:
Jan. 7, 8:24 p.m.: Memphis cops from the Scorpion unit pulled over Nichols’ car at the corner of East Raines Road and Ross Road. The Memphis Police Department initially claimed Nichols was driving recklessly. Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis, the first woman to lead the department in its 194-year history, said she could not confirm that allegation.
8:25 p.m.: Officers pull Nichols from his car, and try to pin him to the ground. Nichols cries, “OK! I am on the ground,” and, “You guys are really doing a lot right now. I’m just trying to go home,” as the officers allegedly swear at and threaten him, video shows. They appear to try and Taser Nichols, who slips past them and tries to flee down Ross Road as two cops give chase.
8:30 p.m.: Backup arrives at the original location of the traffic stop and asks where Nichols is.
