MINNEAPOLIS – The guilty verdict returned by jurors Tuesday in the murder trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin was a reason for joy among many, especially in the Black community. But it was also a vivid demonstration of what the criminal justice system could be if prosecutors went after all bad cops with the same gusto, legal observers said.
During the 42-day trial, jurors heard from 45 witnesses and listened to hours of technical testimony about whether Chauvin, who pinned George Floyd to the ground under his knee for 9 1/2 minutes, actually caused his death. In the end, jurors unanimously agreed, he did.
Derek Chauvin is convicted of killing George Floyd in Minneapolis, cuffed and taken away
Derek Chauvin, convicted of murdering George Floyd in Minneapolis, is led away in handcuffs It was a dramatic ending to a case that transfixed the world and became the latest flash point in a raging debate about police brutality against the Black community. April 20, 2021 9:20pm
Video (04:22) : A masked Derek Chauvin showed no visible emotion as Judge Peter Cahill read the verdict on each count. Cahill said sentencing would be in roughly eight weeks. Text size Copy shortlink:
A sheriff s deputy led former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin away in handcuffs Tuesday after jurors convicted him of murdering George Floyd, a dramatic ending to a case that transfixed the world and became the latest flash point in a raging debate about police brutality against the Black community.
Attorney John Hinderaker and Harvard Law School professor emeritus break down the trial on The Ingraham Angle
Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all counts Tuesday in a jury verdict that could mean the ex-Minneapolis police officer will serve decades in prison for the murder of George Floyd.
Chauvin was convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The most serious charge second-degree unintentional murder could result in a 40-year sentence. The two other counts carry 25- and 10-year sentences, respectively.
The actual sentence that Chauvin receives depends on whether Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill will agree with prosecutors two months from now and impose a longer prison term than stated in Minnesota s sentencing guidelines for first-time offenders.
EXPLAINER: Why 1 murder count against Chauvin may not stick click2houston.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from click2houston.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.