Five former Memphis Police Department officers pleaded not guilty Friday at their arraignment on criminal charges connected to the death of Tyre Nichols , a 29-year-old Black man, whom they beat so badly he died in the hospital three days later.
Captured on brutal video, it sparked protests and vigils across the nation, with people calling for police reform.
Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Justin Smith, Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills Jr. each face charges of second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression.
In Tennessee, Second-degree murder is considered a Class A felony punishable by 15 to 60 years in prison.