Former Memphis police supervisor in Tyre Nichols' death retired with benefits before he could be fired - Fox News

The Memphis police supervisor on the scene when Tyre Nichols was beaten to death by officers in January retired with his benefits the day before a hearing to fire him.

Lt. DeWayne Smith was identified Friday as the officer who retired just before his termination hearing, according to documents filed to revoke his law enforcement certification.

The attorney for Nichols' family, Ben Crump, said the police department should not have allowed Smith to "cowardly sidestep the consequences of his actions" and retire.

Nichols was stopped by police for alleged "reckless driving" on Jan. 7 and was pulled roughly from his car as officers threatened to shock him with a Taser.

Memphis Police Department Officers Demetrius Haley, Tadarrius Bean, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills and Justin Smith were terminated and charged for their role in the arrest of deceased Tyre Nichols.

Smith also did not receive reports from other officers about using force and told Nichols' family that the victim was driving under the influence despite no evidence to support a charge, according to the documents.