2nd ex-Memphis officer pleads guilty to civil rights violations in the killing of Tyre Nichols [Video]

A second former Memphis police officer pleaded guilty Friday to civil rights violations in the 2023 fatal beating of Tyre Nichols, leaving three officers heading to trial in federal court next month.Emmitt Martin entered his change of plea before U.S. District Judge Mark Norris in Memphis under an agreement with prosecutors, delivering another twist in the case that sparked outrage and calls for police reform. The judge had set a Monday deadline for any plea agreements in the case.In November, another former Memphis officer accused in Nichols’ killing, Desmond Mills Jr., reached a similar deal with federal prosecutors and changed his plea to guilty to excessive force and obstruction of justice. Prosecutors recommended a 15-year prison sentence for Mills, and he could be called to testify against the final three — Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith — who remain charged with federal civil rights violations and have pleaded …