Tyre Nichols’ stepfather addresses rumors

The stepfather of Tyre Nichols, 29, who died after a brutal beating by Memphis police officers has publically addressed some rumors swirling around in the aftermath of the video release of his stepson’s death.

The most prevalent rumor was that Nichols was dating the wife of one of the now-fired police officers. “My son was not messing around with one of the officer’s wives. That’s just a rumor,” said Rodney Wells in a widely publicized and broadcast statement. Wells went on to thank the community.

Nichols was stopped by Memphis police on Jan. 7, on suspicion of reckless driving. The stop quickly escalated and was caught on surveillance cameras.

According to Newsweek, Five officers—Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith—are in custody after being charged by the Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy with murder, as well as aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression.

Since that time 2 more officers have been suspended in relation to the event and their employment status is pending while awaiting an investigation.

The Memphis Fire Department terminated a Lieutenant and two EMTs related to the death of Tyre Nichols.