The Associated Press reports here that “[f]ive fired Memphis police officers were charged Thursday with murder and other crimes in the killing of Tyre Nichols, a Black motorist who died three days after a confrontation with the officers during a traffic stop.” The officers allegedly beat Mr. Nichols to death. All five have been charged with second-degree murder among other crimes. Video of the incident is expected to be released to the public today and those who have seen it describe it as “horrific.” In a local connection, the Chief of Police in Memphis is CJ Davis, who served in a similar position in Durham until 2021. Chief Davis fired the five officers and has described their conduct as “a failure of basic humanity.” The officers’ attorneys say that they have little information about the case but that none of the officers intended to kill Mr. Nichols. Keep reading for more news. Death sentence returned in North Carolina. WECT News reports here that “James Edward McKamey, who was convicted of murder in the death of a former Columbus County music teacher, has been sentenced to death.” Apparently, McKamey stabbed one woman who was giving him a ride home. She escaped, but McKamey went to another woman’s home and fatally stabbed her before stealing her car. He was convicted of attempted murder for the first stabbing and of first-degree murder for the second. And yesterday, he was sentenced to death. Capital trials, let alone death sentences, are relatively rare in North Carolina. [...]
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