A Memphis police lieutenant who was present during the violent beating of Tyre Nichols retired with benefits just a day before a hearing was scheduled to fire him.
According to documents obtained by CNN, Lieutenant Dwayne Smith resigned after he was advised of disciplinary charges against him, including neglect of duty, unauthorized public statements, and noncompliance with regulations.
Smith is accused of failing to carry out his supervisory role properly during the arrest of Nichols, who was later beaten to death by officers.
Nichols’ parents, accompanied by civil rights attorney Ben Crump and activist Al Sharpton, spoke at the National Action Network’s House of Justice event in New York City.
His mother expressed gratitude for the prayers they have received and called for justice, saying that her son was a good person who had to be sacrificed for the greater good.
The group invited the family to offer continued support.
The documents filed to revoke Smith’s law enforcement certification indicate that he retired with his benefits intact.
