Investigator: Ex-Memphis officer took photo of Tyre Nichols after fatal beating, shared it 11 times

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — A cybercrime expert with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation testified Wednesday that a former Memphis police officer charged in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols took a cellphone photo of Nichols as he struggled with serious injuries.

TBI Special Agent Derek Miller testified in the trial of Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith, who have pleaded not guilty to state charges including second-degree murder. They already face the prospect of years in prison after they were convicted of federal charges last year.

Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, fled a January 2023 traffic stop after he was yanked out of his car, pepper sprayed and hit with a Taser. Five officers who are also Black caught up with him and punched, kicked and hit Nichols with a police baton, struggling to handcuff him as he called out for his mother near his home.

Footage of the beating captured by a police pole camera also showed the officers milling about, talking and laughing as Nichols struggled. His death led to nationwide protests, calls for police reforms in the U.S., and intense scrutiny of police in Memphis, a majority-Black city.

Video shows Haley taking a photo of Nichols, who was seated on the ground and leaning against a police car after the beating. Haley shared the photo 11 times and had text conversations with eight people about it, Miller said.

The officers are charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression. Prosecutors have argued that the officers had a duty to intervene and stop the beating and tell medical personnel that Nichols had been struck in the head, but they failed to do so.

Former Memphis officers Desmond Mills Jr. and Emmitt Martin also were charged in the case. They have agreed to plead guilty to the state charges and are not standing trial. They also pleaded guilty in federal court, where sentencing for all five officers is pending.

Defense attorneys have sought to chip away at accusations that the officers used unnecessary force to subdue Nichols. They've argued that Nichols was actively resisting arrest by running away and failing to give his hands to officers so that he could be handcuffed. They also have argued that their use of force complied with police department policies.

Mills testified Tuesday that he regrets his failure to stop the beating, which led to Nichols’ death three days later from blunt force trauma. Dr. Marco Ross, the medical examiner who performed the autopsy, testified Wednesday that Nichols suffered tears and bleeding in the brain.

As Nichols struggled with Bean and Smith, who were holding him on the ground, Mills pepper-sprayed Nichols and hit Nichols three times in the arm with a police baton, he said. Martin punched and kicked Nichols in the head, and Haley also kicked Nichols.

Wednesday afternoon, defense attorney Martin Zummach questioned TBI Special Agent Charles Baker, who testified that Nichols' car was searched after the beating and authorities found credit cards, debit cards and identifications that did not belong to Nichols.

Meanwhile, Kelli Rogers, a resident of the Memphis suburb of Arlington, testified that her wallet containing her ID and credit cards was stolen from her car in 2022. Rogers said she was recently informed that one of her credit cards was found in the car and that she did not know Nichols.

Officers who pulled Nichols over said they did so because he was speeding and driving recklessly, but they did not know about the items found in his car.

Hagerman, the prosecutor, asked Baker if the discovery of the IDs and credit cards influenced how the TBI investigated the assault case.

“Say everything in that car was stolen, it still has no bearing on the seriousness of the case I was asked to investigate,” Baker said.

Zummach then asked Baker if it was reasonable to conclude that Nichols was resisting arrest and wanted to get away from the vehicle because he may have had “evidence of crime in his car.”

“It could be,” Baker said.

Baker also testified that mushrooms containing the hallucinogen psilocybin were found in the car. Ross, the medical examiner, testified Nichols did not have the hallucinogen in his system.

Former Memphis officer Preston Hemphill, who was at the traffic stop but not the location of the beating, testified that he heard Martin say “let go of my gun” after Nichols was forcibly removed from his car. It is not clear in the video whether Nichols actually tried to grab Martin's gun.

Hemphill said that statement increased the risk to officers “as high as it could go.”

Hemphill fired his Taser at Nichols during the traffic stop. After Nichols fled, Hemphill could be heard on his body camera video saying: “I hope they stomp his ass.”

Hemphill was fired from the police force but was not criminally charged.

Former Memphis Police Officer Justin Smith Jr., right, one of three former Memphis officers charged with fatally beating Tyre Nichols in 2023, stands in the courtroom with his fellow defendants Tedarrius Bean, center, and Demetrius Haley, left, during break in the trial Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, Pool)

Former Memphis Police Officer Tedarrius Bean, center, one of three former Memphis officers charged with fatally beating Tyre Nichols in 2023, stands in the courtroom with his fellow defendants Justin Smith Jr., right, and Demetrius Haley, left, during break in the trial Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, Pool)

RowVaughn Wells, right, mother of Tyre Nichols, listens during the trial of three former Memphis police officers accused in the 2023 fatal beating of her son, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, Pool)

Former Memphis Police Officer Tedarrius Bean, left, one of three former Memphis officers charged with fatally beating Tyre Nichols in 2023, speaks to his attorney during his trial, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, Pool)

Memphis Police Officer Rodresha Mackey testifies during the trial of three former police officers accused in the 2023 fatal beating of Tyre Nichols, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, Pool)

Tennessee Bureau of Investigations Special Agent Derek Miller, left, watches video evidence with members of the court during the trial of three former Memphis police officers accused in the 2023 death of Tyre Nichols, in Memphis, Tenn. Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, Pool)

Former Memphis police officer Justin Smith Jr., one of three former Memphis officers charged with fatally beating Tyre Nichols in 2023, sits in the courtroom, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, Pool)

Former Memphis Police Officer Justin Smith Jr., left, sits in the courtroom Wednesday, April 30, 2025, during the state trial of Smith and two other former police officers accused in the 2023 death of Tyre Nichols, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, Pool)

Former Memphis Police Officer Demetrius Haley sits in the courtroom Wednesday, April 30, 2025, during the state trial of Haley and two other former police officers accused in the 2023 death of Tyre Nichols, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, Pool)

Forensic medical examiner Dr. Marco Ross presents photographic evidence before the jury during the trial of three former Memphis police officers accused in the 2023 fatal beating of Tyre Nichols, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, Pool)

RowVaughn Wells, mother of Tyre Nichols, listens during the trial of three former Memphis police officers accused in the 2023 fatal beating of her son, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, Pool)

Tennessee Bureau of Investigations Special Agent Derek Miller testifies during the trial of three former Memphis police officers accused in the 2023 death of Tyre Nichols, in Memphis, Tenn. Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, Pool)

Former Memphis Police Officers Tedarrius Bean, left, and Demetrius Haley, right, two of three former Memphis officers charged with fatally beating Tyre Nichols in 2023, wait in the courtroom during a recess of their trial, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, Pool)

Defense attorney Martin Zummach, the defense attorney for former Memphis Police Department officer Justin Smith Jr., points to former officer Tadarrius Bean, as Judge James Jones Jr. hears motion arguments prior to the start of the criminal trial for the death of Tyre Nichols at 201 Poplar in Memphis, Tenn., on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Chris Day/ Commercial Appeal/USA Today Network, via AP, Pool)

FILE - In this photo provided by WREG, Tyre Nichols' stepfather Rodney Wells, center, stands next to a photo of Nichols in the hospital after his arrest, during a protest in Memphis, Tenn., Jan. 14, 2023. (Jordan James/WREG via AP)

Former Memphis Police Department officer and defendant Tadarrius Bean, right, looks up as Desmond Mills Jr., left, a former MPD officer who has taken a plea deal, walks into the courtroom to take the stand as a witness during the second day of the state trial for the death of Tyre Nichols at 201 Poplar in Memphis, Tenn., on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Chris Day/Commercial Appeal/USA Today Network via AP, Pool)

Shelby County deputy district attorney Paul Hagerman gestures to his head while discussing Tyre Nichol's head injuries as he gives the prosecution's opening statement during the first day of the state criminal trial for the death of Nichols at 201 Poplar in Memphis, Tenn., on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Chris Day/Commercial Appeal/USA Today Network, via AP, Pool)

John Keith Perry, defense attorney for former Memphis Police Department officer Tadarrius Bean, gives his opening statement during the first day of the state criminal trial for the death of Tyre Nichols at 201 Poplar in Memphis, Tenn., on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Chris Day/Commercial Appeal/USA Today Network, via AP, Pool)

FILE - Candles spell out the name of Tyre Nichols during a candlelight vigil for Nichols on the anniversary of his death, Jan. 7, 2024, in Memphis. (AP Photo/Karen Pulfer Focht, file)

Former Memphis Police Department officers Tadarrius Bean and Justin Smith Jr. look towards the audience in a recess after attorneys argued motions before the state criminal trial for the death of Tyre Nichols at 201 Poplar in Memphis, Tenn., on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Chris Day/Commercial Appeal/USA Today Network, via AP, Pool)

Desmond Mills Jr., a former Memphis Police Department officer who has taken a plea deal, identifies former MPD officer and defendant Tadarrius Bean during the second day of the state trial for the death of Tyre Nichols at 201 Poplar in Memphis, Tenn., on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Chris Day/Commercial Appeal/USA Today Network via AP, Pool)

U.S. President Donald Trump says Iran has proposed negotiations after his threat to strike the Islamic Republic as an ongoing crackdown on demonstrators has led to hundreds of deaths.

Trump said late Sunday that his administration was in talks to set up a meeting with Tehran, but cautioned that he may have to act first as reports mount of increasing deaths and the government continues to arrest protesters.

“The meeting is being set up, but we may have to act because of what’s happening before the meeting. But a meeting is being set up. Iran called, they want to negotiate,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Sunday night.

Iran did not acknowledge Trump’s comments immediately. It has previously warned the U.S. military and Israel would be “legitimate targets” if America uses force to protect demonstrators.

The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which has accurately reported on past unrest in Iran, gave the death toll. It relies on supporters in Iran cross checking information. It said at least 544 people have been killed so far, including 496 protesters and 48 people from the security forces. It said more than 10,600 people also have been detained over the two weeks of protests.

With the internet down in Iran and phone lines cut off, gauging the demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult. Iran’s government has not offered overall casualty figures.

The Latest:

A witness told the AP that the streets of Tehran empty at the sunset call to prayers each night.

Part of that stems from the fear of getting caught in the crackdown. Police sent the public a text message that warned: “Given the presence of terrorist groups and armed individuals in some gatherings last night and their plans to cause death, and the firm decision to not tolerate any appeasement and to deal decisively with the rioters, families are strongly advised to take care of their youth and teenagers.”

Another text, addressed “Dear parents,” which claimed to come from the intelligence arm of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, also directly warned people not to take part in demonstrations.

The witness spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity due to the ongoing crackdown.

—- By Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Iran drew tens of thousands of pro-government demonstrators to the streets Monday in a show of power after nationwide protests challenging the country’s theocracy.

Iranian state television showed images of demonstrators thronging Tehran toward Enghelab Square in the capital.

It called the demonstration an “Iranian uprising against American-Zionist terrorism,” without addressing the underlying anger in the country over the nation’s ailing economy. That sparked the protests over two weeks ago.

State television aired images of such demonstrations around the country, trying to signal it had overcome the protests, as claimed by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi earlier in the day.

China says it opposes the use of force in international relations and expressed hope the Iranian government and people are “able to overcome the current difficulties and maintain national stability.”

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Monday that Beijing “always opposes interference in other countries’ internal affairs, maintains that the sovereignty and security of all countries should be fully protected under international law, and opposes the use or threat of use of force in international relations.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned “in the strongest terms the violence that the leadership in Iran is directing against its own people.”

He said it was a sign of weakness rather than strength, adding that “this violence must end.”

Merz said during a visit to India that the demonstrators deserve “the greatest respect” for the courage with which “they are resisting the disproportional, brutal violence of Iranian security forces.”

He said: “I call on the Iranian leadership to protect its population rather than threatening it.”

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman on Monday suggested that a channel remained open with the United States.

Esmail Baghaei made the comment during a news conference in Tehran.

“It is open and whenever needed, through that channel, the necessary messages are exchanged,” he said.

However, Baghaei said such talks needed to be “based on the acceptance of mutual interests and concerns, not a negotiation that is one-sided, unilateral and based on dictation.”

The semiofficial Fars news agency in Iran, which is close to the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, on Monday began calling out Iranian celebrities and leaders on social media who have expressed support for the protests over the past two weeks, especially before the internet was shut down.

The threat comes as writers and other cultural leaders were targeted even before protests. The news agency highlighted specific celebrities who posted in solidarity with the protesters and scolded them for not condemning vandalism and destruction to public property or the deaths of security forces killed during clashes. The news agency accused those celebrities and leaders of inciting riots by expressing their support.

Canada said it “stands with the brave people of Iran” in a statement on social media that strongly condemned the killing of protesters during widespread protests that have rocked the country over the past two weeks.

“The Iranian regime must halt its horrific repression and intimidation and respect the human rights of its citizens,” Canada’s government said on Monday.

Iran’s foreign minister claimed Monday that “the situation has come under total control” after a bloody crackdown on nationwide protests in the country.

Abbas Araghchi offered no evidence for his claim.

Araghchi spoke to foreign diplomats in Tehran. The Qatar-funded Al Jazeera satellite news network, which has been allowed to work despite the internet being cut off in the country, carried his remarks.

Iran’s foreign minister alleged Monday that nationwide protests in his nation “turned violent and bloody to give an excuse” for U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene.

Abbas Araghchi offered no evidence for his claim, which comes after over 500 have been reported killed by activists -- the vast majority coming from demonstrators.

Araghchi spoke to foreign diplomats in Tehran. The Qatar-funded Al Jazeera satellite news network, which has been allowed to work despite the internet being cut off in the country, carried his remarks.

Iran has summoned the British ambassador over protesters twice taking down the Iranian flag at their embassy in London.

Iranian state television also said Monday that it complained about “certain terrorist organization that, under the guise of media, spread lies and promote violence and terrorism.” The United Kingdom is home to offices of the BBC’s Persian service and Iran International, both which long have been targeted by Iran.

A huge crowd of demonstrators, some waving the flag of Iran, gathered Sunday afternoon along Veteran Avenue in LA’s Westwood neighborhood to protest against the Iranian government. Police eventually issued a dispersal order, and by early evening only about a hundred protesters were still in the area, ABC7 reported.

Los Angeles is home to the largest Iranian community outside of Iran.

Los Angeles police responded Sunday after somebody drove a U-Haul box truck down a street crowded with the the demonstrators, causing protesters to scramble out of the way and then run after the speeding vehicle to try to attack the driver. A police statement said one person was hit by the truck but nobody was seriously hurt.

The driver, a man who was not identified, was detained “pending further investigation,” police said in a statement Sunday evening.

Shiite Muslims hold placards and chant slogans during a protest against the U.S. and show solidarity with Iran in Lahore, Pakistan, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

Activists carrying a photograph of Reza Pahlavi take part in a rally supporting protesters in Iran at Lafayette Park, across from the White House, in Washington, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Activists take part in a rally supporting protesters in Iran at Lafayette Park, across from the White House in Washington, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Protesters burn the Iranian national flag during a rally in support of the nationwide mass demonstrations in Iran against the government in Paris, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)