Bogalusa acting assistant police chief releases a statement about what happened in Memphis,
Published 12:36 pm Monday, January 30, 2023
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According to a CBS News report, a sixth Memphis police officer has been placed on administrative leave after an arrest that led to the death of Tyre Nichols.
Five officers involved were fired this month and face charges of second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression.
“We’re saddened by the events that happened in Memphis and our prayers go out to the Nichols family,” Bogalusa Acting Assistant Police Chief Troy Tervalon said.
In December of 2021, Eric Nelson died while in Bogalusa police custody.
According to a press release from the 22nd JDC District Attorney Warren Montgomery on Jan. 20, because of the circumstances of his death, I conducted a thorough review of the facts surrounding his arrest. I reviewed a special death investigation report by the Louisiana State Police.
The release said, I then reviewed the hospital records, autopsy report, videos and other materials regarding his death. I then engaged the Jefferson Parish Coroner’s office to review the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s autopsy report. Finally, I presented the case to a Washington Parish Grand Jury on January 17, 2023. I reviewed every relative criminal charge to this case and determined that the evidence does not meet the standard needed for criminal prosecution. Based on all the information known to me involving the death of Eric Nelson while in police custody, no criminal charges will be brought at this time against law enforcement personnel involved in the incident on December 19, 2021.
The release continued with, my decision is based on the presently available information and I remain open to review any additional new information presented to me. My decision is independent of any current or future administrative actions by law enforcement or civil litigation.
Tervalon talked about improvements the Bogalusa Police Department has made and is making because of the circumstances that led to Nelson’s passing.
“We’re implementing more training for our officers and trying to update the current equipment we have,” Tervalon said. “The city administration, Mayor (Tyrin) Truong and the Bogalusa Police Department are in the process of implementing a community policing program that will help the citizens get to know the officers and be more active in the community.”