The federal judge presiding over the case against five former Memphis officers convicted in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols recused himself Friday, just days before he was supposed to hand down sentences for the men.
U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris issued a one-sentence order saying he was recusing himself and “returns the matter to the Clerk for reassignment to another United States District Judge for all further proceedings.”
He offered no further explanation. Norris’ clerk did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office declined comment Friday.
Several motions had been filed under seal in recent days. It was not clear if any of those asked for Norris to step away from the case. It is unusual for a judge to recuse themself from a case between the trial and sentencing.
They’re gonna let those murdering pigs who betrayed the public trust wall aren’t they?
The court can let them walk. We don’t have to.
Well yeah, they’re cops
Ah, so the bribe money finally cleared.
Or, the patrol cars stopped circling his house.
Or they started.
Or he ran out of excuses to convince himself he was being impartial, so now he doesn’t have to proclaim a biased ruling and his conscious stays clear!
Sounds bought.
Either that or threatened.
