MEMPHIS, Tenn — Attorneys representing the family of Tyre Nichols spoke out after former officer Desmond Mills’ emotional testimony on Tuesday, when Mills broke down in tears and apologized for his role in the deadly beating. 

“I made his child fatherless. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” said Mills.

During a prayer vigil outside the federal courtroom, Attorney Antonio Romanucci stood alongside Nichols’ family and said he had never seen such testimony in his more than 40-year career.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt to anyone’s eye that what we saw yesterday was dramatic. It was powerful,” said Attorney Antonio Romanucci, one of the attorneys representing the family of Tyre Nichols. “It was emotional, but when you loop it back to why we’re here, we actually realized how unnecessary it all was.

“Even though he’s one that participated in this God awful, unnecessary, horrific beating of this young man which caused his death, he actually stated the obvious on the witness stand yesterday that we are here for accountability.”

Mills has already pleaded guilty to federal civil rights and conspiracy charges. 

While on the stand in the case against his former co-workers, Mills tearfully apologized for his role in the beating saying he feels bad for being a part of it.

However, those responses will not be considered in the trial. 

On Wednesday morning, the judge told the jury to disregard his answers when he was crying and apologized.

Mills also talked about how Demetrius Haley and Emmitt Martin were aggressive toward citizens during their time in the now-disbanded Scorpion Unit. 

“Yes, he should be sorry but so should the entire city of Memphis which allowed this to go on for so long according to his own words,” said Attorney Antonio Romanucci.