News Summary
A Memphis judge has denied the city’s request to sanction RowVaughn Wells and her legal team regarding a press release that allegedly misled the public about the family’s lawsuit intentions. The press release clarified that the civil suit against the city was not aimed at causing financial bankruptcy. Following a review, the judge upheld that the press release was not issued in bad faith and recognized the legal team’s corrective actions. This case is significant as Wells seeks $550 million from the city after the death of her son, Tyre Nichols, which has raised concerns about ongoing police misconduct.
Memphis Judge Denies City’s Motion Against Tyre Nichols’ Family Legal Team
A judge in Memphis has denied the City of Memphis’ motion to sanction RowVaughn Wells and her legal team concerning a press release issued on May 12, 2025. The City accused Wells of making false claims that misled the public about the familyโs intentions with their ongoing civil lawsuit and the potential financial implications for Memphis taxpayers.
The controversial press release emphasized that the accountability sought through the civil suit was not intended to bankrupt the city. It also stated that discussions around the civil case’s financial impact should consider responsible entities. This was a point of contention, as the City of Memphis contended that it does not possess insurance coverage for any potential damages that may arise from the case.
The City sought several sanctions against Wells and her attorneys. These included requiring Wells to issue a public admission that her statement was knowingly false, the removal of the disputed press release from public platforms, and a prohibition against making future false statements, with the threat of being held in contempt of court.
In defense, Wells’ legal team argued that the sanctions were not justified. They pointed out that corrective actions were taken within 24 hours of the press release, which included retracting the original statement and issuing an updated clarification.
After reviewing the case, Judge Sheryl H. Lipman ruled in favor of Wells and her legal team, stating that the press release had not been issued in bad faith. She recognized that adequate corrective measures had already been enacted and underscored the significance of truth and the potential dangers associated with misinformation.
Background on the Case
RowVaughn Wells is embroiled in a civil lawsuit seeking $550 million from the City of Memphis following the death of her son, Tyre Nichols. Nichols died on January 10, 2023, three days after he was severely beaten by five officers during a traffic stop. His death sparked a significant public outcry and prompted widespread investigations into police conduct in Memphis.
The lawsuit targets the city, Police Chief C.J. Davis, and other officials, alleging their responsibility for Nichols’ death while highlighting ongoing concerns about police misconduct within the Memphis Police Department (MPD). In a separate legal move, the City of Memphis filed a motion to dismiss Wells’ lawsuit, arguing that she had not demonstrated any constitutional violations that could be directly attributed to the city or its officials. The city contends that Chief Davis holds qualified immunity, asserting her actions had not violated statutory or constitutional rights.
The City also claimed that allegations against Lt. Dewayne Smith were redundant, as similar claims were already included in the civil action against the city itself. Originally scheduled for March 2025, the trial for the civil lawsuit has now been postponed to July 2026, allowing further developments to unfold in this high-profile case.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Legal Dispute Raises Governance Concerns in Memphis Schools
Memphis Appeals Arbitration Ruling in Police Rank Dispute
Court to Decide on New Trial for Officers in Tyre Nichols Case
University of Memphis Athletic Department Facing Sanctions
Judge Recuses Himself from Memphis Police Officers’ Cases
Lawsuit Filed Against Memphis Schools Over Superintendent’s Dismissal
Judge Recuses Himself in Tyre Nichols Case, Complicating Proceedings
Memphis Judge Recuses Himself from Police Officers’ Sentencing
Community Gathers in Memphis to Honor Tyre Nichols
Memphis Advocates Demand Police Reforms Following DOJ Exit
Additional Resources
- Action News 5
- Wikipedia: Tyre Nichols
- Local Memphis
- Google Search: Tyre Nichols lawsuit
- WREG News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police misconduct
- Commercial Appeal
- Google News: City of Memphis lawsuit Tyre Nichols
- Fox13 Memphis
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
