TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Jun 16, 2025

The federal sentencing hearings for five former Memphis police officers charged in the 2023 death of Tyre Nichols have been canceled after a judge recused himself last week. Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith were expected to be sentenced in federal court this week for their roles in Nichols’ death. According to the Daily Memphian, U.S. District Judge Mark Norris recused himself June 13, and the hearings were officially canceled with a notice filed today. A status conference is scheduled for June 20. U.S. District Judge Sheryl Lipman is now overseeing the case.