The trial of three former Memphis officers charged in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols ended with a mixed verdict, surprising and perplexing some observers who questioned why the jury would acquit two of the officers on the most serious charges.

Three ex-Memphis police officers were convicted Thursday in the 2023 fatal beating of Tyre Nichols, but were acquitted of the harshest charges they faced in their federal trial.

Former officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith were all found guilty of obstruction last Thursday.

Closing arguments are expected in the federal trial of three former Memphis police officers charged in the 2023 fatal beating of Tyre Nichol.

The three former Memphis, Tenn., police officers involved in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols were convicted Thursday of charges of witness tampering, but two were acquitted of federal civil

The attorney for Justin Smith filed a motion Friday, seeking an acquittal or new trial, claiming testimony at trial failed to prove the obstruction charge.

Tadarrius Bean and Justin Smith Jr., two former Memphis police officers, will be released in the months before their sentencing hearings.