Tyre Nichols’ stepfather addresses rumors at prayer vigil

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The father of Tyre Nichols, Rodney Wells, took time on Monday to address what he is calling rumors.

“My son was not messing around with one of the officer’s wives. That’s just a rumor,” said Wells.

PHOTOS: Prayer vigil held near Tyre Nichols’ home

Wells addressed a crowd of protestors at a prayer vigil outside his home.  The vigil took place at the very spot where Nichols had a second encounter with officers.

“I’d like to thank everybody for showing up.  I really appreciate all the help, the support, the outreach, the showing of love for my son,” he said.

The police camera which captured the footage of the encounter with those now-former Memphis Police officers stands just feet from the Nichols’ home.

“Losing a son is the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life and to stand up here every day and try to put on this face and all of that is difficult, but we have to do it.  I have a wife I have stepchildren who need my support and I’m going to give it to them,” Wells said.

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