Moments ago, Derek Chauvin was found guilty for his role in the death of George Floyd.
Chauvin had been charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter for his role in the death of George Floyd during an arrest outside of Cup Foods on the corner of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis. Floyd was arrested for allegedly using a counterfeit $20 bill to buy a pack of cigarettes from the store. During the arrest, Chauvin placed his knee on Floyd’s neck for several minutes, and Floyd later died as a result of his injuries. Video footage of the arrest helped to bring national attention to the case.
The Charges And Verdict
Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree murder for his role in Floyd’s death. In order to convict on second-degree murder, the prosecution had to prove that Chauvin committed an underlying felony – in this instance, third-degree assault – during the incident that resulted in Floyd’s death. Ultimately, the jury decided that Chauvin’s actions met this criteria.
Chauvin was found guilty of third-degree murder for his role in Floyd’s death. In order to convict on third-degree murder, the prosecution had to prove that Chauvin acted recklessly and caused the death of Floyd by “perpetrating an act eminently dangerous to others and evincing a depraved mind, without regard for human life.” People can argue over what constitutes a “depraved mind,” but odds are the jury was better able to resonate with the term “without regard for human life.” In the end, they found that Chauvin’s actions met this criteria, and they found him guilty on third-degree murder charges.
Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree manslaughter for his role in Floyd’s death. In order to convict on second-degree manslaughter, the prosecution had to prove that Chauvin was negligent in his actions and that his choices created an unreasonable risk and a conscious possibility of death or bodily harm. Ultimately, the jury felt that Chauvin’s actions met this criteria as well.
The second-degree murder charge carries a maximum sentence of 40 years. The third-degree murder charge carries a maximum sentence of 25 years. The second-degree manslaughter charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. However, based on how Minnesota handles defendants with no previous criminal history, each murder charge carries a presumptive sentence of 12 and a half years, and the manslaughter charge carries a presumptive sentence of four years. Even though he was convicted on multiple charges, he’ll only be sentenced for the highest charge he was found guilty of, which was murder in the second-degree murder.
The three other Minneapolis officers charged in Floyd’s death will face a separate trial that is currently scheduled to get underway on August 23.
