MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The federal judge presiding over the case against five former Memphis officers convicted in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols recused himself Friday, just days before he was supposed to hand down sentences for the men.

U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris issued a one-sentence order saying he was recusing himself “and respectfully returns the matter to the Clerk for reassignment to another United States District Judge for all further proceedings.”

He offered no further explanation.

Four of the five officers had been scheduled to be sentenced next week, the fifth on June 23. It was not immediately clear how Norris’ decision would affect the case. Another judge will be assigned to sentence the former officers.

Several motions had been filed under seal in recent days. It was not clear if any of those asked for Norris to step away from the case. It is unusual for a judge to recuse themselves from a case between a trial and sentencing.

Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, fled a traffic stop, then was beaten by police.

— The Associated Press