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One of the five police officers charged in the death of Tyre Nichols has changed his plea to guilty.

Desmond Mills. Jr. pleaded guilty to excessive force and witness tampering, two of the four federal charges he faced. He will now testify against the other officers as part of the plea deal.

Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy stated that Mills’ cooperation will help him bring to justice those responsible for Nichols’ death.

Nichols, a 29-year-old black man, died in the hospital back in January days after a severe beating. Video evidence shows former members of a specialized police team kicking and hitting the man even after he was restrained. The former officers were charged with second-degree murder along with other federal crimes but all initially pleaded not guilty.

Mills is the first to flip. Prosecutors will recommend 15 years in prison for the ex-cop, though the judge will make the final decision.