Two Deputies Suspended For Trying To Hide Involvement In Tyre Nichols’ Death

Two Tennessee deputies have been suspended after trying to hide their connection with the death of 29-year-old Memphis resident Tyre Nichols.

Deputies suspended for lying about involvement in Tyre Nichols death

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office announced in a press release Wednesday that Johntavious Bowers and Jeremy Watkins, who have been deputies since June 2021, were suspended without pay for five days after an administrative investigation into their conduct.

The sheriff’s office said both Bowers and Watkins “appeared on the scene following the physical confrontation” on Jan. 7 between Memphis police officers and Nichols, who died from his injuries in a local hospital three days later.

A thorough review concluded that the two deputies violated several regulations, the sheriff’s office said.

Violations

Both Bowers and Watkins violated radio communication procedures, mobile video recording system procedures as well as patrol field job duties and responsibilities. Watkins also violated a fourth regulation: operational responsibility of daily activity log at 201 Poplar, according to the sheriff’s office.

According to a report by news station WATN, Watkins did not report in his daily activity log that he was at the scene. He also did not activate his body-worn camera, nor did he notify a supervisor he was on scene.

“Because I had concerns about two deputies who appeared on the scene following the physical confrontation between police and Tyre Nichols, I ordered this internal investigation,” Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. said in a statement Wednesday.

“Our investigation was thorough and complete. I am satisfied that the discipline given to these deputies is appropriate and just. We must continue to maintain the highest standards of excellence for the citizens of Shelby County through service, integrity, and accountability.”

Both suspensions went into effect Wednesday, February 15th