Derek Chauvin Found Guilty of Murder

Ex-Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin is convicted of multiple counts of murder in the death of George Floyd.

Former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murder in the death of George Floyd earlier this afternoon. A jury of seven women and five men needed less than 12 hours of deliberations to convict the 18-year law enforcement veteran of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. Chauvin was escorted from the courtroom in handcuffs following the verdict, and has since been moved to a correctional facility.

Derek Chauvin trial Lady Liberty art by Aminata Diop

Floyd’s death last May sparked massive protests and societal dialogue over the issues of police brutality and systemic injustice.  

Chauvin is the first of four ex-police officers to face trial for the death of Floyd. The 46-year-old Houston-native was pronounced dead following an altercation with police on May 25, 2020, outside a convenience store in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Chauvin can be seen on video kneeling on Floyd’s neck for roughly 10 minutes, while three other officers physically restrain Floyd’s legs and midsection. 

The jury unanimously concluded that the former police officer had “cause[d] the death of a human being without intent to effect the death of any person, while intentionally inflicting or attempting to inflict bodily harm upon the victim.” They also decided that Chauvin murdered Floyd “by perpetrating an act eminently dangerous to others and evincing a depraved mind, without regard for human life.”

Prosecutor Steve Schleicher argued for the importance of holding police accountable during his closing arguments to the jury, stating, “Only you have the power to convict the defendant of these crimes — and in so doing, declare that this use of force was unreasonable, it was excessive, [and] it was grossly disproportionate. [There] is [no] excuse for this shocking abuse that you saw with your own eyes...This wasn’t policing — this was murder.” 

Hennepin County District Court Judge Peter A. Cahill presided over the three week trial, which included testimony from dozens of witnesses. The prosecution called multiple use-of-force experts to the stand, each of whom stated that Chauvin’s actions were not those of a reasonable officer.

Defense attorney Eric Nelson argued that jurors should consider the totality of events that night, not just the time his client spent restraining a prone Floyd on the pavement. “The [prosecution] has really focused on the nine minutes and 29 seconds [when Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck]...That’s not the proper analysis,” Nelson stated during the trial’s final day. “The nine minutes and 29 seconds ignores the previous 16 minutes and 59 seconds.”  

Nelson made the case that his client’s actions were reasonable for an officer in that position. The defense also argued that factors other than Chauvin played a part in Floyd’s death, such as pre-existing health conditions and alleged drug use.

Chauvin invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self incrimination during the trial, deciding not to testify — and allow the prosecution an opportunity to cross-examine him.

Although pleased with the jury’s decision, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison stated during a post-verdict press conference that he “would not call today’s verdict justice. Because justice implies true restoration.” Ellison continued, “But it is accountability, which is the first step towards justice.”

Floyd’s family attorney Ben Crump also spoke publicly following the verdict, stating, “We frame this moment for all of us, not just for George Floyd. This is a victory for those who champion humanity over inhumanity...This moment will be documented for our children yet unborn, as they continue on the journey to justice — knowing that the blood of George Floyd will give them a trail to find a way to a better America.”

Sentencing for all three convictions is scheduled for mid-June. Chauvin faces up to 40, 25, and 10 years in prison, respectively, for second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.