TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Feb 20, 2026

Attorneys in the civil lawsuit stemming from the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols were in court this week, arguing a motion to split up the trial for the parties involved in the case. According to the Commercial Appeal, the motion involves whether to split the trial into two proceedings, one against the city of Memphis and another against the five former Memphis police officers who were criminally charged, along with two officers who were not charged. Lawyers for Nichols’ mother, RowVaughn Wells, said that if the motion to split up is granted, they would dismiss claims against Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis, whose involvement has been on hold while the city appeals her qualified immunity status, a move that would allow plaintiffs to depose her. The judge overseeing the case did not rule on bifurcating the case, but agreed to leave the current trial date of Nov. 9 in place.