Tennessee jury settled Wednesday All state charges by three former Memphis police officers were caused by fatal assaults by black motorists, which sparked protests across the country two years ago.

Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith were found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Nichols, among other charges.

Judge James Jones Jr. ordered the men to be released immediately. All three were overcome by emotions when they hugged each other and attorneys in a Memphis court.

The former Memphis officer has faced time in jail after being convicted of Nichols' death.

Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy told reporters outside the court that he and his team were "disappointed" with the verdict.

"We respect the jury's decision, but obviously we strongly disagree with it," Murroy said. "We have brought this case sincerely and to this day I firmly believe that we have compelling evidence that every crime we alleged has evidence. The jury took a different view. Of course, that's their right. That's part of the decision."

“I was surprised that given that I think we think there is no criminal sentence for any crime or any minor offence, given the overwhelming evidence we have presented.” “Do I have an explanation? No.”

Nichols' attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci called the decision a "destructive judicial abortion."

"The life of the tire was stolen and his family was deprived of the justice they deserved. We were angry and we knew we were not alone," Crump and Romanucci said in a statement.

Nichols, a FedEx employee and aspiring photographer, was pulled over at around 8:24 pm on January 7, 2023 for suspected reckless driving.

"Pick up the F ---Run out the F ---Crash!" an officer screamed as he pulled Nichols out of the car.

"I did nothing," Nichols replied.

While he is on the sidewalk, he can run away before hiking with pepper spray and Taser on the escape Nichols.

Officials said he ran to his mother's home, but the pursuers eventually caught up with his house about 80 yards.

The body camera footage shows Nichols being beaten and kicked while absorbing more pepper spray.

Nichols screamed “Mom!” when he was beaten in his second confrontation with the police.

A police training officer and forced use of experts testified for the prosecutor and said the actions taken by officials against Nichols were “unnecessary” and “excessive”.

The assault reflects a common law enforcement practice called a “street tax” or “running tax” because of the abuse of fleeing suspects.

The death of Nichols sparked protests against police brutality across the country three days after the beating.

A few weeks later, the victim's parents were guests of the White House who spoke at President Joe Biden's National Conditions.