Two former Memphis police officers did not take the stand during their trial concerning the death of Tyre Nichols. The defense for these officers has concluded its case without presenting them as witnesses in the proceedings related to the charges of civil rights violations stemming from Nichols' fatal beating following a traffic stop in 2023. One of the officers, however, did choose to testify.

A former supervisor with the Memphis police department has stated that there was “no need” for the five officers involved to physically assault Tyre Nichols during a traffic stop that ultimately led to his death. The supervisor emphasized that the level of force used—punching, kicking, and striking Nichols with a baton—was excessive and unjustified.