Tyre Nichols was violently arrested and killed on Friday, and five former Memphis police officers were charged with second-degree murder and other crimes in connection with it. Tyre Nichols’ mother claimed afterwards that none of the defendants would look her in the eye in court.

Before a judge in Shelby County Criminal Court, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills Jr., Emmitt Martin III, and Justin Smith made their first court appearances with their attorneys present. After an internal police investigation following the arrest of Nichols on January 7, who passed away in a hospital three days later, the policemen were discharged. His assault was captured on camera.

The Nichols case is the latest to prompt nationwide protests and renew an intense public discussion about police brutality. Nichols, 29, was Black. All five officers charged in his death also are Black.