SCORPION KINGS:

Chapter One:  Death by Scorpion

AUTOPSY REPORT

In a few hours, it is likely that the video of the beating of Tyre Nichols is being released. And while the horror of what the world will see on the video, will only be confirmed legally by the autopsy report that is yet to come out. But here is what I expect the autopsy of Tyre to look like. "The following is an autopsy report for the deceased, Tyre Nichols, who died as a result of injuries sustained during an altercation with police officers. Upon examination, it was determined that the cause of death was severe blunt force trauma to the head and torso. The victim sustained multiple contusions and lacerations to the head and face, as well as multiple rib fractures.

 

In addition to the blunt force trauma, the victim also suffered from multiple taser wounds, as well as burns and irritation consistent with pepper spray exposure. These injuries were found on various parts of the body, including the chest, back, and extremities.

The victim also had a high level of blood loss due to the injuries sustained. This was evidenced by the extensive bruising and swelling in the head and torso, as well as the presence of blood in the lungs and airways. 

 

The severity and extensive nature of these injuries suggest that they were inflicted by multiple blunt force impacts over a prolonged period of time. The taser wounds and pepper spray exposure further indicate that the victim was subjected to excessive force and unnecessary use of force.

 

It is the opinion of the medical examiner that the victim's death was a result of the injuries sustained during the altercation with police officers and that the actions of the officers involved were a contributing factor in the death.

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DEATH BY SCORPION:

The murder of Tyre Nichols came from the hands of five Memphis Police officers, who were part of the police Scorpion Unit. The name of the unit served as an acronym for its goal of crime prevention. When over the years, this group would become and could become deadly. Scorpions use their venomous stingers located at the end of their tails to kill their prey. In this video, it was seen that this group used the venom of pepper spray to choke, subdue, and humiliate their prey. The venom of an actual scorpion contains a mixture of neurotoxins and other compounds that can cause paralysis and death in small animals. Mr. Nichols, who was a small man in frame, when compared to the much larger officers, was paralyzed by fear, obscenities, and profanity being laced his way as he was threatened with death from almost the onset of the video. Scorpions typically hunt at night and use their pincers to grab their prey before delivering a sting with their tail. This Scorpion group also hunted at night, using their hiddenness as a cloak for power. It's worth noting that not all scorpions are venomous and some species are not harmful to humans. This Scorpion group, with scores of anonymous complaints, as only a few local residents knew about the particular unit and name, would become one of the most harmful predators to the poor in the city of Memphis.

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THE RISE OF THE UNIT:

The Scorpion unit, formed with the goal of combating rising crime and violence in the city, had come under scrutiny in recent months for its brutal tactics and questionable practices. These accusations were known by police chief Cerelyn J. Davis. The unit's reputation was already marred by allegations of excessive use of force, misconduct and civil rights violations. This reputation was solidified with the death of Tyre Nichols and the subsequent investigation into the unit's actions.

 

Recently, the unit has come under scrutiny following the death of Tyre Nichols, an unarmed black man, during a traffic stop. Antonio Romanucci, a lawyer for the family of Mr. Nichols, has accused the unit of misconduct in the incident. The officers involved in the incident are all black, and it is unclear how many of them were part of the Scorpion unit.

 

The District Attorney, Steve Mulroy, has confirmed that the Scorpion unit was involved in the incident and charges of second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct, and official oppression have been filed against five officers of the unit.

 

The investigation revealed a pattern of misconduct and abuse of power within the unit. The officers were found to have frequently used excessive force, particularly against African American and other minorities in Memphis. They were also found to have engaged in a pattern of racial profiling, stopping and searching individuals without probable cause. Additionally, it was discovered that the unit had a culture of impunity, with a lack of oversight and accountability from the department. Supervisors within the department were found to have turned a blind eye to the unit's actions and, in some cases, even encouraged the use of excessive force.

 

The Scorpion unit is a 50-person anti-violence unit within the Memphis Police Department, created to bring down crime levels in specific areas of the city. The unit was launched in October 2021 and focuses on high-impact crimes such as car thefts and gang-related offenses. However, the unit has attracted controversy due to accusations of bias and brutality from community activists. They argue that the unit's focus on "hot spots" within the city contributes to officers' bias and brutality.

 

In response to the incident, the police chief, Cerelyn Davis, has ordered a review of all specialized police units in the department, including the Scorpion unit. This is not the first time the unit has attracted controversy and this review aims to address any issues and improve the department's policies and procedures.

 

Furthermore, it was found that the officers of the Scorpion unit had been involved in numerous instances of misconduct, such as accepting bribes, falsifying police reports and planting evidence. The internal investigation revealed that this corruption had been going on for years, with some officers being involved in these activities since the unit's formation.

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The investigation's findings led to the termination of several supervisors within the department and the arrest of several officers of the unit, including those involved in Tyre Nichols' death. The community, outraged by the unit's actions, called for the unit to be disbanded and for a comprehensive review of the department's policies and procedures.

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WHATS NEXT? 

The brutal murder of Tyre Nichols at the hands of the Scorpion unit is a travesty, and it is a stark reminder that the systems of oppression and injustice in our city are alive and well.

 

The Scorpion unit, with its ominous name and secretive operations, is a clear example of the ways in which the police seek to terrorize and control our communities. This unit, with its focus on "hot spots" and its mission to bring down crime levels, is nothing more than a tool for the state to target and oppress black and brown bodies. The fact that the officers involved in the murder of Tyre Nichols were all black themselves, is evidence that these issues are not only about the color of the officer, but the system they are part of.

 

But the murder of Tyre Nichols is not an isolated incident. It is the latest in a long line of examples of police brutality and misconduct in Memphis. For far too long, we have seen our community members harassed, arrested, and killed by the very people who are supposed to keep us safe. The time for change is now, and it must be bold and decisive.

 

That is why I am calling on the City of Memphis to dismantle all secret police units, such as the Scorpion unit, and for a complete reform of our police department. We need a new system that prioritizes community safety and ensures that the rights and dignity of all citizens are respected. This is not only a matter of justice for Tyre Nichols and his family, but for all of us who have been affected by police violence and oppression in our city.

 

We cannot stand idly by as our community members are harassed, arrested, and killed by the very people who are supposed to keep us safe. We must come together and demand change. We must demand justice for Tyre Nichols and all those who have been affected by police violence and oppression. We must demand a new system that prioritizes community safety and respects the rights and dignity of all citizens.

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THE FUTILITY OF TEMPORARY JUSTICE: WILL IT EVER END?

As someone who had advocated for equal rights and justice and the nullification of all police brutality, I am troubled by this. The death of Tyree Nichols is a tragic and all-too-common reality in our society. Despite numerous efforts to address the issue, it persists and continues to claim the lives of innocent individuals. The reasons for this are complex and multifaceted, and it is unlikely that any single solution will be able to eradicate it completely.

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One of the main reasons that police brutality persists is that the systems in place to address it are often inadequate and ineffective. For example, police officers are often protected by powerful unions that make it difficult to hold them accountable for their actions. Additionally, the process of investigating and prosecuting officers for misconduct is often slow and cumbersome, and the outcome is often uncertain. This lack of accountability allows officers to act with impunity, knowing that they are unlikely to face serious consequences for their actions.

 

Another major factor that contributes to police brutality is the lack of diversity within law enforcement agencies. Research has shown that officers are more likely to use force against individuals from marginalized communities, such as people of color and those living in poverty. This is partly because officers are more likely to have negative stereotypes and prejudices about these groups, which can lead to bias in their actions. Additionally, departments that are not diverse may not have the cultural competency and understanding to effectively engage and serve these communities.

 

Another reason for the persistence of police brutality is the lack of proper training and education for officers. Many officers are not adequately trained in de-escalation techniques and other alternatives to using force, and may not be aware of the legal and ethical guidelines that govern their actions. Furthermore, many departments have a culture that promotes aggression, rather than community engagement and service.

 

Moreover, in many instances, police brutality is not just a failure of individuals but of the entire system. The system is designed in a way that it prioritizes the protection of police officers over the protection of citizens, and that prioritizes the maintenance of order over the protection of individual rights. This is reflected in the way that laws, policies, and procedures are written, and the way that officers are trained and evaluated.

 

In addition to these systemic issues, there are also broader social and economic factors that contribute to police brutality. For example, poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education and healthcare can lead to higher crime rates and increased tensions between law enforcement and communities.

 

In conclusion, police brutality is a complex and deeply entrenched problem that is unlikely to be solved by any single solution. Addressing it will require a comprehensive approach that addresses the various systemic and societal factors that contribute to it. Unfortunately, many of these issues are deeply ingrained in our society and will require a significant shift in the way we think about and approach law enforcement. As long as these underlying issues remain unaddressed, police brutality will continue to happen and innocent lives will continue to be lost.

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PRAYER

But we must remember that in times of pain and suffering, we are not alone. We are not alone in our grief, and we are not alone in our search for justice and peace.

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For as we know, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has overcome the world. He has overcome death and has risen victorious, and he promises to be with us always, to the very end of the age.

 

And as we grieve, we must also remember that Tyre was not just another victim of police brutality. He was a child of God, created in the image of God and loved by God. He was a member of our community, a brother and a friend.

 

And so, we must not only grieve, but we must also take action. We must speak out against injustice and violence, and we must work towards a more just and peaceful society.

 

For as we know, the kingdom of God is not a kingdom of violence and oppression, but a kingdom of love and justice. And as we strive for that kingdom, we must always remember that Tyre's life was not in vain.

 

For he has been called home to the Lord, and we know that he is at peace. And as we grieve, we must also take comfort in the knowledge that one day, we will be reunited with him in heaven, where there will be no more tears, no more pain, and no more death.

 

So let us hold on to this hope, and let us continue to work towards a world where all people are treated with dignity and respect, and where justice and peace reign.

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May God bless Tyre's family and friends, and may his memory live on in our hearts and in our actions. 

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RIGHTEOUS ANGER AGAINST THE OFFICERS, YET FORGIVENESS.

But we must also remember that as believers in Jesus Christ, we are called to love and forgive, even those who have committed such a heinous act.

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However, let us not forget that there is a greater judge than any on this earth, and His judgment is final. The five officers who took Tyre's life will one day stand before the Lord and give an account for their actions.

 

They will be judged according to the word of God, and they will be held accountable for the blood they have shed. For scripture tells us that "whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image."

 

But there is hope for salvation even for these officers. For the Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. He desires for all to turn from their sins and repent, for "God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

 

So let us pray for the officers who took Tyre's life. Let us pray that they will turn from their sins, confess their wrongdoing, and seek forgiveness from the Lord.

 

For as believers, we are called to be a light in the darkness, and to share the hope of salvation with all. And as we grieve Tyre's loss, let us also remember that there is a greater judge who will one day bring justice and righteousness to all.

 

May the Lord have mercy on the souls of those who took Tyre's life, and may they turn to him in repentance. Amen.