US Cop Derek Chauvin Convicted of All the Three Charges in George Floyd’s Case
Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been charged with second-degree, third-degree murder and manslaughter during the George Floyd trial.
Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been charged with second-degree, third-degree murder and manslaughter during the George Floyd trial.
Sentencing by the court will be done on a later date. The judge also revoked his $1 million bail and he was immediately taken into custody. He was handcuffed and led away after Judge Peter Cahill read out the verdict that was unanimously concluded by a team of racially diverse seven women and a five-man jury.
Derek who is found guilty on all charges could now face up to 40 years in prison for the heinous crime.
Chauvin, 45, who was dressed in a grey suit and face covered with a mask didn’t show much expression while the judge read the verdict.
Chauvin is expected to appeal against the verdict. People gathered outside the court cheered when they heard the verdict.
The jury heard 45 witnesses during the trial that included eyewitnesses.
GUILTY.
— Jenny Yang (@jennyyangtv) April 20, 2021
GUITLY.
GUILTY. #DerekChauvin
it's not just this moment. it's the movement. #GeorgeFloyd RIP pic.twitter.com/nqJLvcsGuD
The chilling footage of Derek pressing on George’s neck while bystanders crying at him to stop, was played during the proceedings. The video which was said to be nine and a half minutes long was crucial to the trial and the result of the proceedings.
Throughout the video, George could be heard saying “I can’t breathe” before he breathed his last yet the uncompassionate police officer didn’t budge.
“This wasn't policing, this was murder,” Prosecutor Steve Schleicher said. “Nine minutes and 29 seconds of shocking abuse of authority.”
Medical experts from the prosecution team explained that George Floyd died due to a lack of oxygen. George’s breathing was constricted because of the manner he was pinned down on his stomach with Chauvin’s leg on his neck.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris welcomed the news and called Floyd’s family after the verdict. “Nothing is going to make it all better but at least God now there's some justice”, Biden said.
“We're all so relieved -- not just the one verdict but all three, guilty on all three counts”, he added.
Vice President Kamala Harris said, “This is a day of justice in America.”
“History will look back at this moment.”