Disgraced police officer Derek Chauvin has been sentenced to 22.5 years after being found guilty on all counts in the murder of George Floyd. BALDWIN reports
Justice Cahill said on Friday, “Sentences serve many purposes in our justice system, including retribution, but are not supposed to indulge a desire for revenge or be unduly swayed by emotion.”
But as hundreds took to the courthouse awaiting sentencing for Derek Chauvin, one question remains? Is this retribution; or a double-standard?
Several people spoke during the hearing, including Chauvin’s mother. Carolyn Pawlenty pleaded with court for leniency saying that her son wasn’t as described by the prosecution. “Sentencing him,” she said, “is also sentencing me.”
On the other side, a video played of George Floyd’s daughter saying that she missed her father and wished she could, “play with him.”
Chauvin issued an public apology to the family of George Floyd.
With 199 days behind bars, the judge sentenced Chauvin to 22.5 years with time served.
In a deliberation that took place for 10 hours over two days, a jury has found former police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter for the murder of George Floyd — a Black man captured on viral video taking his last breath with Chauvin’s foot on his neck.
Though the prosecution for the State has asked for more time, Chauvin faces up to 40 years. According to Minnesota state law, he may only serve 12.5 years.
Chauvin’s bail has been revoked and he’s been remanded to jail until he is sentenced in a few weeks. More on his sentencing to come.
Read our coverage of the trail below:
Derek Chauvin’s Defense Attorney Eric Nelson requested for the jury to be sequestered today after 20-year-old Daunte Wright (unarmed and Black) was shot and killed by the police yesterday at Brooklyn Center, Minnesota just a few miles away from where Chauvin stands trial.
Judge Peter Cahill denied the motion.
Police are saying that Wright had several warrants but was unarmed at the time of the shooting. He was pulled over late Sunday at a traffic stop.
The defense’s main crux has focused on placing blame of Floyd’s death on an alleged addiction that could have provided a predisposition to suffocation and cardiac arrest.
Nelson’s argument for sequestering the jury has to do with media influence and potential emotional duress as motivators to vote against his client.
Here’s what we know so far:
In the midst of a global pandemic last year, one time stamp — 9 minutes and 29 seconds set the nation ablaze with protests and outcry over the murder of unarmed Black male, George Floyd. His murderer, former police officer Derek Chauvin stands trial in what will be one of the most controversial and racially charged trials since the murder of Trayvon Martin.
Special Prosecutor Jerry Blackwell played the now infamous video that went viral over the summer involving George Floyd pleading for his life, as former officer Derek Chauvin remained in a steadfast stance with his knee on Floyd’s neck.
A Minneapolis convenience store employee called 911 on May 25th when Floyd was accused of purchasing cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill. When police arrived to the scene, Derek Chauvin most notably, violated his duties as a Minneapolis police officer using excessive force. The other three officers along with Chauvin were fired.
For 4 minutes and 45 seconds, Floyd pleaded with Chauvin to release him. His words, “I can’t breathe,” were said 29 times. Seizures ensued for 53 seconds while he was unresponsive at which point Chauvin remained in stance for an additional 3 minutes and 51 seconds.
On May 29, Hennepin County attorney, Mike Freeman, announced third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges against Chauvin.
Timing is an essential part of the prosecutor’s opening statement in which he says to the jury, “you CAN believe you eyes.”
OPENING STATEMENTS + STRATEGY
Special Prosecutor Jerry Blackwell opened focusing on the timing of Floyd’s murder. He made it a priority to mention that the trial isn’t a slight against police officers as a whole — even going as far as to say that Chauvin betrayed his duties, breaking several of the oaths he took when made an officer — specifically to protect and serve.
Chauvin’s defense attorney Eric Nelson’s opening largely had to do with blaming an alleged addiction for his death. His argument that Floyd might still be alive had he not resisted arrest, drives his defense.
WHO’S IN THE ROOM
Matthew Frank — Minnesota Attorney General’s Office
Special Prosecutor Jerry Blackwell
Defense attorney Eric Nelson
Judge Peter Cahill
Former Police Officer Derek Chauvin
THE JURY
As of now, it can be confirmed that the jury includes five men and nine women — of them eight are white and four are Black with two identifying as mixed race. The jurors all come from Hennepin County where the population is 74% white and only 14% Black.
WITNESSES
To date, there have been several compelling witnesses who’ve taken the stand below are some especially compelling testimonies:
If you, or anyone you may know are being triggered by the murder of George Floyd, below are some resources:
The Anxiety and depression association of America — 1–240–485–1001
The National Alliance on Mental Illness — 1–800–950-NAMI (6264)
The Suicide Prevention Lifeline — 1–800–273–8255
The Association of Black Psychologists — 1–301–449–3082