Some Hamilton County residents are expected to be selected as sequestered jurors for a Memphis trial of three former police officers accused of second-degree murder in the 2023 traffic stop death of Tyre Nichols.
About 150 people were seated for possible selection Wednesday morning in the lobby of the Hamilton County Courthouse. Shelby County Criminal Court Judge James Jones Jr. told the group officials had traveled a long way and not to look up any case details or review any news media, as the case had garnered mass attention.
Former Memphis Police Department Officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith are all set to stand trial starting Monday in connection with beating Nichols, 29.
Those selected for jury service will begin their duties Sunday, and the trial is expected to last about two weeks, Jones said. Jurors will be under the protection of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.