Five former Memphis police officers alleged to have murdered 29-year-old Tyre Nichols last month have plead not guilty. On Friday (February 17), ex-cops Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Justin Smith, Emmitt Martin III, and Desmond Mills Jr., plead not guilty during their arraignment on criminal charges from the January 27 attack.

Following the pleas, Shelby County Criminal Court Judge James Jones urged both sides to be patient with the proceeding case, per CNN.

“We understand that there may be some high emotions in this case, but we ask that you continue to be patient with us,” Jones said. “Everyone involved wants this case to be concluded as quickly as possible. But it’s important for you all to understand that the state of Tennessee, as well as each one of these defendants, have an absolute right to a fair trial. And I will not allow any behavior that could jeopardize that right.”

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