Five officers have been charged with second-degree murder over the death of Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man who was beaten by officers on January 7 and died three days later, sparking a national outcry. Those officers, as well as the sixth officer, have already been terminated.
The seventh officer, whose name has not been released, was previously relieved of his duties.
City Attorney Jennifer Sink told the city council on Tuesday that she expects administrative charges to be issued against additional officers sometime this week. She did not identify the officers, citing the ongoing investigation.
Police video of the events showed officers kicking, punching and beating Nichols with a baton after they pulled him from his car during a traffic stop.
About 10 officers responded to the traffic stop, Police Chief Cerelyn Davis told council members. “This is a classic example of officers with a wolf mentality, ego and other issues that erupted in very tragic situation,” Davis said.
Three members of the fire department were also fired for failing to provide proper emergency medical care after Nichols was handcuffed.
Any charges against additional police officers would result in administrative hearings, which Sink said could be held by the end of next week. Once the disciplinary process is complete, the city will publicly release investigative material that remained sealed, Sink said, including additional video of the incident.
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said additional police officers, fire department personnel and others who prepared documentation of the incident could also face criminal charges as more information becomes available.
(Reporting by Joseph Ax and Daniel Trotta; Editing by Caitlin Webber)
By Joseph Ax and Daniel Trotta
