Another ex-Memphis police officer pleads guilty to civil rights violations in killing of Tyre Nichols

Federal prosecutors recommended a 40-year sentence for a former Memphis police officer who pleaded guilty Friday to civil rights violations in the 2023 fatal beating of Tyre Nichols.

Emmitt Martin is the second former officer to plead guilty in the killing, leaving three officers facing trial in federal court next month with the possibility of their former colleagues testifying against them.

Martin entered his change of plea before U.S. District Judge Mark Norris in Memphis under an agreement with prosecutors, delivering another twist in the case that sparked outrage and calls for police reform. Martin pleaded guilty to excessive force and witness tampering charges. The judge had set a Monday deadline for any plea agreements in the case.