MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It's been nearly one year to the day since a traffic stop by Memphis Police on Jan. 7, 2023, led to the death of Tyre Nichols, and Sunday, his family will hold a candlelight vigil in his honor at the site of the deadly beating.
Nichols' family said the vigil will be held at Castlegate Lane and Ross Road starting at 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, marking one year since the deadly police beating that thrust Memphis and the Memphis Police Department into the national spotlight.
The vigil will be held alongside a similar candlelight vigil at Nichol's favorite skatepark in Sacramento, California, which now bears his name. Nichols' family said both events will also be a time to advocate for justice.
In a statement, Nichols' family said the vigil aims to provide solace for the family, as well as all those who have been affected by his death, and to honor the person he was.
Organizers said the event is open to all who, "seek to take space to honor Tyre's life and reaffirm the need for justice and accountability from the Memphis Police Department."
Nichols died Jan. 10, 2023, after the traffic stop by Memphis Police on Jan. 7.
His death sparked national interest once more details were released about the case.
Five MPD officers were fired and charged with killing Nichols, while a sixth was later fired for his involvement.
One of those officers, Desmond Mills Jr., pleaded guilty in early November to federal charges of excessive force and obstruction of justice. Shelby County D.A. Steve Mulroy said Mills also reached deal with the state to plead guilty to charges of second-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping and official misconduct. A 15-year sentencing recommendation would cover both the federal and state cases.
The 29-year-old father loved skateboarding and photography. ABC24 learned that Nichols family said he was on his way home from taking photos of the sky on the night the traffic stop occurred.